The EC145 serves Law Enforcement and EMS Operators worldwide – Strong Increase in Order Intake

The EC145, which excels in terms of cabin space and versatility, has firmly established itself as a rugged, reliable workhorse in the law enforcement and EMS markets worldwide. Orders presently stand at 95 aircraft, and more than 80 have already entered service. In 2005, new orders for a total of 20 EC 145s were booked, predominantly in the American and European EMS (Emergency Medical Services) and law enforcement markets. The annual production rate has been increased to 25 in 2006. An EC145 operated by the Croatian EMS service HIKO is shown in Eurocopter’s Static Display at ILA.

In the EMS market, the EC145 is primarily used for air ambulance missions, inter-hospital transport and as a flying intensive care unit. In the law enforcement market, where Eurocopter’s EC135 has internationally become the reference helicopter, the EC145 is the perfect complement to existing fleets for special operations and the transport of special forces and equipment to the site of incidents. In view of the international threat from terrorism, police forces worldwide are looking for more spacious helicopters such as the EC145 to fulfill this role. The London Metropolitan Police Authority (UK) and the Lithuanian Border Guard are the latest law enforcement agencies who have selected the EC145. Three aircraft for London, and one for Lithuania will be delivered in 2006 and early 2007 respectively.

Eurocopter, in conjunction with EADS North America as prime contractor, and American Eurocopter, is also offering the EC145 for the US Army’s light utility helicopter (LUH) requirement. Designated UH-145, the aircraft provides an optimized mix of latest and proven technologies, mission performance, reliability and availability. Sikorsky Aircraft, WestWind and CAE (for the simulator requirement) are team partners in the UH-145 bid.

The Single-Pilot-IFR-certified EC145 features a night-vision goggle-compatible, digital glass cockpit with multi-function displays, largely reducing pilot's workload and facilitating day-and-night operations. The aircraft's forward cabin is almost identical to that of the EC 135, thus continuing Eurocopter's cockpit design policy offering a maximum of

commonality and man-machine interface as well as providing excellent visibility. The

EC145 is also certified for CAT A operations, including sandfilter.

The EC145's maximum take-off weight is 3,585 kg (7,904 lbs), with a payload of to approximately 1,713 kg (3,777 lbs). Its spacious, completely unobstructed cabin can be utilized for a broad variety of configurations, and it is capable of transporting up to ten persons (one pilot + nine passengers). With rear loading doors like those on the proven BO105, BK117 and EC135, the EC145 offers excellent cabin access from all sides and can also accommodate bulky cargoes. The EC145 is also noteworthy for its low noise level. It is an average of 6.7 dB beneath the International Civil Aircraft Organization standards for helicopters in this class.

Eurocopter is a wholly-owned subsidiary of EADS. EADS is a global leader in aerospace, defence and related services. In 2005, EADS generated revenues of € 34.2 billion and employed a workforce of about 113,000. The EADS Group includes the aircraft manufacturer Airbus, the world’s largest helicopter supplier Eurocopter and the joint venture MBDA, the international leader in missile systems. EADS is the major partner in the Eurofighter consortium, is the prime contractor for the Ariane launcher, develops the A400M military transport aircraft and is the largest industrial partner for the European satellite navigation system Galileo.

European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company EADS N.V.
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