Eurocopter's new light single-engine EC 130 B4: More Space, More Comfort, More Visibility, Less Noise
FARNBOROUGH AIR SHOW 2002
Farnborough, 22 July 2002
Launched into the market in early 2001, the EC 130 B4 is the latest member of the proven Ecureuil family and was designed to occupy a strategic position in relation to the competition. It has an additional passenger seat and complies with the new helicopter noise-reduction regulations - in particular the US "Grand Canyon National Park" (GCNP) standard.
The EC 130 B4 is one of the quietest helicopters in the world. It flies at an EPNdB level of 84.3, and its noise level is 7 dB below the ICAO limit and 0.5 dB below the GCNP standard.
This new aircraft's cabin offers 23% more cabin space than the other versions of the Ecureuil. It can be equipped with either 7 comfort-type seats or eight standard sized seats. Its enlarged cabin floor and baggage compartment are derived from those of the AS 350 B3, and the helicopter also integrates certain elements of the Colibri EC 120 B, such as the doors and the windshield. It also benefits from all the latest technological advances in the Eurocopter new-generation helicopters.
The EC 130 B4 "Fenestron" tail rotor is located on the opposite side of the EC 135 model's rotor. The helicopter is equipped with an automatic rotor speed control system, which adjusts the engine to match flight conditions. This system insures a minimum noise level at cruise speed. Another advantage of the EC 130 B4 is its extraordinary visibility from inside the cabin, thanks to a larger canopy. The Starflex main rotor, the MGB, and the engine (a Turbomeca Arriel 2B, which has a maximum take-off power of 847 shp, and has proven its abilities many times over) are the same as on the AS 350 B3. These features guarantee the helicopter's high performance level.
A dual hydraulic circuit has made it possible to eliminate the required training for hydraulic failures. Besides the dual-channel Full Authority Digital Engine Control, which keeps track of variations in the rotor speed, the system also contains a third, independent channel for engine governing.
Comfort has also been improved. The standard model's interior finishing includes a ventilation system, lighting, and carpeting. Air conditioning will be an available option as soon as the first deliveries are made. The radio-navigation system of the EC 130 B4, as well as the integrated control panel (VEMD, GPS) mean that this new helicopter can fly in VFR both day and night.
Concepts that have already proven effective on the B3, EC 120 B, and EC 135 have been reincorporated on the EC 130 B4, so that the risks normally associated with development activities and the arrival of a new version for service have been reduced to a minimum.
The EC 130 B4 received the JAA and FAA certifications in December 2000. Customer deliveries have begun in June 2001, and by the end of December 2001, 8 helicopters had been delivered. 45 helicopters will be leaving the production lines in 2002.
The EC 130 B4 has arrived at the perfect moment to meet market needs and satisfy customer demands. It is fast becoming an integral part of Eurocopter's Ecureuil line, which is so appreciated by our customers.
More than 3,200 helicopters in the Ecureuil/Fennec family have already been ordered. The helicopters that have been delivered have already logged 11,500,000 flight hours for approximately 1000 customers in over 80 countries.
Eurocopter is a wholly-owned subsidiary of EADS (European Aeronautic Defense 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
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
