The EC 155 B - The Most Modern Helicopter in the 5 Metric Ton/14 Seat Category
FARNBOROUGH AIR SHOW 2002
Farnborough, 22 July 2002
Eurocopter has extended the top end of its range of medium helicopters by introducing the 5 metric ton EC 155 B.
The EC 155 B combines considerably more cabin room - up by 40% compared to the Dauphin - with two powerful digitally controlled Turbomeca Arriel 2C1 turbine engines. The result is a maximum takeoff weight of 4,800 kg, and a payload on a par with, or even better than, the other top-performing helicopters in its category. The EC 155 B cruises at 275 km/h, and has a range of 810 km.
Great attention has been paid to the human engineering aspects of the interior layout. The EC 155 B can carry 12 passengers in conditions of comfort that are far better than the competition offers. A 13-passenger version is also proposed.
The latest advances from Eurocopter's recent R & D programs have also been integrated on the EC 155 B. They include noise and vibration attenuation and improved piloting comfort.
The EC 155 B is fitted with a new 5 blade Spheriflex main rotor with a very low vibration level, and a Fenestron tail rotor that is a byproduct of the research on the quiet helicopter. The tail rotor has 10 blades spaced irregularly around the hub. All this adds up to less noise, i.e. 4.5 dB below the latest standards laid down by the ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization).
The EC 155 B is rated for single pilot IFR, which further opens up its flight envelope. This certification is very important as it provides a confirmation of the helicopter's flight characteristics, the low crew workload, and its operational effectiveness with one pilot at the controls.
What's more, this single pilot IFR rating was obtained just 12 months after the initial certification. Yet more proof that the helicopter has successfully - and rapidly - achieved all the milestones in its development.
And this technical reputation goes hand in hand with a successful sales record. Over 50 helicopters have already been sold, chiefly in three market sectors: parapublic (law enforcement, fire fighting, EMS), commercial passenger transport, and VIP/corporate operations. With such advanced features, the EC 155 B satisfies the most stringent criteria for all these missions.
Thanks to its characteristics, the EC 155 B is able to adapt to all these operations.
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Speed: the VNE has now been raised to over 170 kts (320 km/h) at altitudes below 4,000 ft - at least 20 kts (37km/h) more than its closest competitor.
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Extremely low vibration level
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Cabin size, access, and comfort
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An advanced integrated digital flight control system (instrument panel and 4-axis autopilot). The helicopter's standard definition features 7 screens: 2 screens dedicated to flight controls, including an electronic artificial horizon, 2 screens displaying route information, 3 central screens showing the engine and systems parameters, and the warning indicator lights.
An 8th optional, extra large (6x8 in.), multifunction screen is dedicated to mission equipment displays, i.e. electronic maps, FLIR, pilot checklists, radar, etc.
This display system was jointly developed with Thales. Baptized MEGHAS as part of the Avionique Nouvelle suite, the system is applied in modular form on all Eurocopter's most recent helicopters (EC120 B Colibri, AStar B3, EC 145, etc.).
The EC 155 B is particularly well placed to answer the operators' growing demands for an all?weather capacity, as it is the only helicopter in its category to offer a deicing option.
Thanks to all these features, the EC 155 B stands out as the only really modern helicopter in its 5 metric ton/14 seat category.
The Dauphin N2, N3 and the EC 155 form Eurocopter's range of medium-weight twins. They share major components - a strong family likeness that brings with it advantages in terms of logistics and maintenance. Customers can thus select the most appropriate aircraft to optimize their fleet.
Eurocopter is a wholly-owned subsidiary of EADS (European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company). With revenues amounting to 30.8 billion Euro and a workforce of 100,000, EADS is the largest European aerospace company and No. 2 worldwide. It is active in the sectors of commercial aircraft, helicopters, space, military transport and combat aircraft as well as defence technology and services.
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 Aeroport 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
Aeroport 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
