EADS N.V. - Eurocopter marks 50 Years of Helicopter Technology and demonstrates its Leading Edge in Environmental Compatibility and Performance

With this year’s Paris Airshow memorizing 100 years of motorized flight and commemorating the historical flight of the Wright Brothers to Paris, Eurocopter honours its roots and the remarkable achievements in helicopter technology over the last 50 years.

The company’s daily Flying Display gives an impressive demonstration of its world leadership in quiet technologies. One of Eurocopter’s first commercialized helicopters, the Alouette II, will make a flight immediately followed by an EC 120. Equally, an Alouette Ill will be followed by an EC 130, latest member of the successful Ecureuil family. This direct comparison gives airshow visitors the chance to hear for themselves that the noise emission of Eurocopter’s new-generation helicopters is more than 50 to 60 per cent lower than that of the older-generation aircraft. In fact, all of Eurocopter’s new helicopters developed over the past 10 years have noise emission levels of 7 or 8 dB below ICAO limits, making each of them a leader in its respective class. In flight for the first time at a Paris Airshow is the EC 145, an extensively modified version of the proven, multi-function BK 117 Cl light twin. Its spacious cabin, dynamic system and cockpit design benefit from the latest technologies, which also ensure low noise levels (6.7 dB below ICAO standards and 60 per cent less noise than the BK 117 C1), higher performance capabilities and more comfort. Access to its roomy cabin is particularly easy, thanks to the elimination of the central and door upright posts, two large sliding doors and rear clamshell doors. The EC 145 is the perfect choice for demanding EMS, law enforcement and parapublic operators.

Another in-flight appearance is made by the EC 725 in the 11 metric tonne category. Like its civil counterpart, the EC 225, it is derived from Eurocopter’s famous Super Puma/Cougar family. The advanced technologies applied in the EC 725/225 mean enhanced safety, higher performance, and lower costs. And the new 5-blade Spheriflex main rotor offers improved reliability and improved performance. Other features are a complete de-icing/anti-icing system extending the operating envelope, and a hydraulically operated rear ramp for easier loading. With an impressive load capacity - 2 pilots, 29 troops and a 5,000 kg sling load capacity - and a maximum range of 1,000 nm, the EC 725/225 can perform a very wide variety of missions.

Never missing from Eurocopter’s flying display are the advanced Tiger combat helicopter and the tactical transport/naval NH90 helicopter, both of them the most modern and capable helicopters in their respective mission envelopes worldwide.

An EC 135 and an AS 355 are available for customer demonstration flights.

In its Static Display, Eurocopter presents the EC 120, EC 130, EC 145, EC 155, EC 635 and EC 225 in commercial and parapublic configurations, plus the multi-role Tiger combat support helicopter. Adjacent is the NH9O, presented by NH Industries.

EADS is a global aerospace and defence company, and is the world’s second largest in terms of revenues, having achieved EUR 29.9 billion in 2002. EADS maintains a workforce of more than 100,000 and is a market leader in defence technologies, commercial aircraft, helicopters, space, military transport and combat aircraft, as well as related services. Its family of leading brands includes the commercial aircraft maker Airbus; Eurocopter, the world’s largest helicopter manufacturer; Astrium, the space company and MBDA, the world’s second largest missile company. EADS is also the biggest partner in the Eurofighter consortium and heads the A400M military transport aircraft programme. EADS has more than 70 facilities in France, Germany, Spain and the UK. It is active in markets around the world, including the U.S. and Asia.