Eurocopter: Looking Back on 10 Years of Company History and Success with 10 New Helicopter Models
FARNBOROUGH AIR SHOW 2002
Farnborough, 22 July 2002
The Eurocopter Group, which was founded in 1992 following the merger of the helicopter activities of Aerospatiale-Matra (France) and DaimlerChrysler Aerospace (Germany), is now a 100% subsidiary of EADS European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company, one of the leading aerospace companies in the world. Having passed through successive integration phases, the group has become the first completely integrated aeronautics company at a European level. At the present time the company consists of only two main units: the parent company Eurocopter and its German subsidiary Eurocopter Deutschland. This set-up enables the group to have integrated management structures while at the same time respecting the national identities of the participating countries.
This year marks the tenth anniversary of Eurocopter and underlines the dynamism of this Group, which has seen ten new helicopter models launched over this period, an achievement that has enabled the company to become the world's number one helicopter manufacturer.
Apart from the Tiger and NH 90 helicopters, which formed the foundation of the Eurocopter Group, the following helicopters have marked the first ten years of the company's history.
1994 saw the certification of the EC 135, the first helicopter to emerge from the Franco-German link-up. This twin-engine seven-seater helicopter sets new standards in technical know-how, performance, price and design. The EC 135 is the quietest in its category, its emissions being seven decibels lower than the maximum noise pollution level set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). The military version of this helicopter is the EC 635.
In 1995, Eurocopter launched the lightest helicopter in its range of products, the EC 120 B Colibri, onto the market. This is a single-engine helicopter capable of carrying five persons. It is suitable for pilot training as well as for use on rescue and surveillance missions. Like the EC 135, this helicopter is also the quietest in its category.
The AS 365 N3, the new version of the celebrated Dauphin, appeared in 1996. Its superior engine power means that it can carry out the most demanding missions with regard to overflight of urban areas or flying in extreme temperatures and at extreme altitudes. In its military version, the Panther, it is successfully in service with navies, who use it for antiship operations.
A further development of the Dauphin, the EC 155 B, appeared in 1997. This model, which was completely re-designed, provides 40% more cabin space and an increased takeoff weight of 5 tonnes. It has been equipped with a new five-blade rotor, which improves its vibration and noise levels. Its noise emissions are five decibels below the maximum value laid down by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) for this category of helicopter.
The AS 350 B3, the more powerful version of the Ecureuil single-engine helicopters, of which over 3000 models have already been sold, was also launched on the market in 1997. This helicopter, which is destined to succeed the Lama, is especially suited for use at high altitudes and in hot environments.
1999 hailed the launch of the EC 145, the new and thoroughly modified version of the famous BK 117-C1. The considerably enlarged cabin can now seat up to ten. This helicopter benefits from the use of the latest technology, which is shown in its airframe, its "avionique nouvelle" cockpit concept and its reduced noise emissions (6.7 dB below the ICAO standards). Numerous air rescue services have already chosen this helicopter for its increased performance and comfort.
A new helicopter, the EC 725, flew for the first time in the year 2000. This is a further development of the Cougar and is a twin-engine, medium-weight (11-tonne category) helicopter with superior engine power. Its main features are an entirely new 5-blade main rotor, a strengthened main gearbox, new engines and a new integrated flight control and display system. It has been designed to carry out tactical transport missions as well as civil and military SAR, logistic support and air ambulance tasks. The civil version of this helicopter is the EC 225.
2001 saw a new product launched on the international markets: the EC 130 B4, a light, single-engine helicopter and the latest addition to the Ecureuil family. This model has profited from the addition of one passenger seat and conforms to the new noise reduction regulations for helicopters, in particular the American "Grand Canyon" standard. It is one of the world's quietest helicopters with its noise emissions not exceeding 84.3 EPNdB. The noise it emits is 7 dB below the ICAO limit and 0.5 dB below the GCNP (Grand Canyon National Park) requirements.
Thanks to this policy of continuously improving existing products and launching new ones, Eurocopter was able to maintain its leading position in 2001, gaining 43% of the global civil and military market and 57% of the civil and parapublic market, an enormous lead over its direct competitor.
For more detailed information, please contact:
Jean-Louis ESPES
Tel: +33(0) 4 42 85 95 55
Fax: +33(0) 4 42 85 95 64
Eurocopter
Aéroport International Marseille Provence
13725 Marignane Cedex - France -
Christina GOTZHEIN
Tel: +49(0) 89 60 00 64 88
Fax: +49(0) 89 60 00 44 37
Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH
D-81663 Munich - Germany
Chantal LINARES
Tel: +33(0) 4 42 85 60 51
Fax: +33(0) 4 42 85 95 64
Eurocopter
Aéroport International Marseille Provence
13725 Marignane Cedex - France
Christoph MÜLLER
Tel: +49(0) 906 71 45 65
Fax: +49(0) 906 71 46 74
Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH
D-86607 Donauwörth - Germany
Web Site: www.eurocopter.com
