DGA orders 5 Eurocopter EC145 helicopters for Sécurité Civile
Marignane, 13 December 2007
Délégation Générale pour l’Armement (DGA) signed a contract with Eurocopter for 5 new EC145 (3 firm and 2 options) to be used by Sécurité Civile. The aircraft will be delivered from January 2009 enabling Sécurité Civile to face out the remaining 6 Alouette III helicopters.
This contract will allow Sécurité Civile, who is the launching customer of the EC145, to complete its current fleet of 30 EC145 that were delivered between 2001 and 2005. The actual EC145 fleet of Sécurité Civile has acumulated over 60 000 flight hours. This fleet is used for the following missions: Rescue, Fire fighting, Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Surveillance and Law Enforcement. The EC145 are deployed on 22 Sécurité Civile bases located in France and in the French Overseas Territories.
The EC145 is Eurocopter’s latest entry into the light twin-engine helicopter market, providing an excellent combination of proven and new technologies. This modern platform is designed with multi-mission capabilities thanks to the inherent flexibility of its cabin, together with its payload/range performance and its role-adaptable mission systems, Powered by two Turbomeca Arriel 1E2 engines, the EC145 can carry one or two pilots and eight or nine passengers. With a fast cruise speed of 135 kts, an advanced night vision goggle compatible glass cockpit, digital autopilot for both single or dual pilot applications and an endurance of up to 3.5 hours, the EC145 is a top performer in medical evacuation, police and homeland security missions. It has also been ordered by the U.S. Army as its new-generation Light Utility Helicopter (LUH).
About Eurocopter
Established in 1992, the Franco-German-Spanish Eurocopter Group is a Division of EADS, a world leader in aerospace, defence and related services. The Eurocopter Group employs approx. 14,000 people. In 2006, Eurocopter confirmed its position as the world’s No. 1 helicopter manufacturer with a turnover of 3.8 billion euros, orders for 615 new helicopters, and a 52% percent market share in the civil and parapublic sectors. Overall, the Group’s products account for 30% percent of the total world helicopter fleet. Its strong worldwide presence is ensured by its 17 subsidiaries on five continents, along with a dense network of distributors, certified agents and maintenance centres. More than 9,800 Eurocopter helicopters are currently in service with over 2,800 customers in 140 countries. Eurocopter offers the largest civil and military helicopter range in the world.
100 years of vertical flight
In 1907, Paul Cornu performed history’s first ever vertical flight. Since then, thanks to pioneering spirits, technological advances and innovative minds, the helicopter has become a key to saving lives, protecting citizens and contributing to economic development the world over. In 2007, Eurocopter is proud to celebrate this anniversary and to share its passion for helicopters.
For more information, please contact:
| Cécile VION-LANCTUIT | Eurocopter |
Tel.: +33 (0)4 42 85 60 51 mailto: cecile.vion-lanctuit@eurocopter.com |
| Christina GOTZHEIN | Eurocopter |
Tel.: + 49 (0) 89 60 00 64 88 mailto: christina.gotzhein@eurocopter.com |
| Pekkee SUM | Eurocopter |
Tel.: +33 (0)4 42 85 17 13 mailto: Pek-Kee.Sum@eurocopter.com |
| José M. RUBIO | Eurocopter |
Tel.: +34 (0)91 379 66 04 mailto: jose-maria.rubio@eurocopter.com |
| www.eurocopter.com |
