Eurocopter launches EC 130 B4 at HeliExpo 2001
Anaheim, 11 February 2001
At this year's HeliExpo, Eurocopter once again introduces a brandnew product to the world market: the light single-engined EC 130 B4, latest member of the successful AStar (Ecureuil) family. This new aircraft was designed to position itself as advantageously as possible against the competition by adding another passenger seat, and to comply with the new regulations for helicopter noise limitations, particularly with the US "Grand Canyon" standard. It is one of the quietest helicopters in the world, flying at 84.3 EPNdB. This is 7 dB below the ICAO limit and 0.5 dB below the GCNP (Grand Canyon National Park) regulation. To "quietly lead the way" has long been Eurocopter's development strategy. The EC 130 B4 is yet another top achievement in the company's range of quiet new-generation helicopters.
The EC 130 B4 has 23 percent more cabin space than the other AStar versions. It can accommodate seven high comfort seats, or eight seats in medium-density configuration. The helicopter is derived from the AS 350 B3, whose cabin floor and baggage compartment were enlarged, and features some EC 120 B Colibri components, such as windshield and doors. It also integrates the latest technological advances of Eurocopter's new-generation helicopters. Its Fenestron shrouded tail rotor is identical to that of the EC 135. The aircraft is equipped with an automatic system for controlling rotor speed according to flight conditions to ensure that noise is kept to a minimum during fly-overs. Also, autorotation capabilities are increased. A further strong point of the EC 130 B4 is its extraordinary cabin visibility offered by its large canopy surface. The Starflex-type main rotor, main gearbox and engine (the proven Turbomeca Arriel 2B with a maximum take-off power of 847 shp) are those of the AS 350 B3, ensuring the helicopter's high performance.
The addition of a double hydraulic circuit makes it possible to do away with failure training. Along with the dual-channel FADEC (Full-Authority Digital Engine Control) unit which integrates rotor speed variation, the system also possesses a third independent channel for engine control. This channel is another reason for making failure training obsolete.
Comfort has also been improved. Interior arrangements on the standard model include fans, lighting and carpets, and air conditioning will be offered as of the initial deliveries. The EC 130 B4's VFR night-time radio navigation associated with an integrated instrument panel (VEMD, GPS) provide the new helicopter with a day and night flying capability.
Component commonality with the AS 350 B3, the EC 120 B Colibri and the EC 135 helped keep the development risk to a minimum, resulting in a helicopter both easy and affordable to maintain and at the same time offering the same world-leading performance parameters as the AS 350 B3, leader in its class.
The EC 130 B4 received JAA and FAA certification in December 2000. Deliveries to customers will commence in September 2001. This schedule includes four helicopters going into service with launch customers in spring. The aircraft will log over 100 flight hours per month for the next six months. A Eurocopter technical representative will monitor customer feedback and answer the operators' questions. A support platform has already been set up in the US at American Eurocopter. It will be followed by an equivalent in Europe, then in the rest of the world. Expanding by geographical areas, Eurocopter can guarantee trouble-free logistical support, especially for spare-part availability.
Being right on time to answer new market needs and customer requirements, the EC 130 B4 is ready to take its place in Eurocopter's top-selling AStar family.
Eurocopter is a wholly-owned subsidiary of EADS (European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company), one of the world's three largest aerospace manufacturers.
For further information, please contact :
Jean Louis ESPES
Phone: +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
Phone: +49 (0) 89 6000 64 88
Fax: +49 (0) 89 6000 44 37
Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH
D-81663 Munich - Germany
Chantal LINARES
Phone: +33 (0)4 42 85 60 51
Fax: +33 (0)4 42 85 95 64
Eurocopter
Aéroport International Marseille Provence
13725 Marignane Cedex - France
Dr. Frank LIEMANDT
Phone: +49 (0) 906 71 45 65
Fax: +49 (0) 906 71 46 74
Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH
Postfach 1353
D-86607 Donauwörth - Germany
Web site: www.eurocopter.com
Börsenkurse
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