Eurocopter and Johann Lafer’s “Heli Gourmet” display brand new EC130 B4 at ILA
Eurocopter and Johann Lafer, Germany’s gourmet chef of international reputation and television fame, are displaying a brand new EC130 B4 at ILA which will be integrated into his "Heli Gourmet" fleet. Eurocopter is proud to introduce this EC130, a perfect aircraft for any VIP mission under highest-possible cost-effectiveness, as the first of its kind on the German market.
Marignane, 17 May 2006
Himself a pilot, Johann Lafer already has a AS350 helicopter flying for his Heli Gourmet service. As he states, he selected the EC130 B4 because "it is a benchmark helicopter, not only because of its environmental-friendliness and comfortable noise level. The EC130 also offers various seat configurations and a cabin design that provides an unbeatable panoramic view and comfort level for all my passengers. These product attributes are essential for my Heli Gourmet service concept, as my events combine VIP treatment with unforgettable canyon-flying experiences along the Rhine River and fly-in high-end catering in romantic, secluded areas.
Setting noise-reduction standards
The EC130 enjoys highest acceptance in the corporate and charter business. It is one of the quietest helicopters in the world, with its noise level being 8.5 dB below ICAO limits and 0.5 dB below the Grand Canyon National Park Standard, this being the strictest ruling in the world. It benefits from all the latest technological advances in the Eurocopter new-generation helicopters. The EC130 B4 features the quiet Fenestron® tail rotor known to customers from the EC 135 model. 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.
The interior – space, flexibility and comfort
The single-engined EC130 B4’s cabin offers 23% more space than the other versions of the Ecureuil/AStar family of which it is a member. It can be equipped with an arrangement of either seven seats (high comfort) or eight seats. The EC130 B4 is derived from the AS350 B3, and shares the same central structure with the B3. The enlarged cabin floor provides the same width as the former Alouette III, which enables the EC130 to meet the demanding missions this popular helicopter was or is still used for. Another advantage of the EC130 B4 is its extraordinary visibility from inside the cabin, thanks to a larger canopy. Comfort is a major highlight. The standard model's interior finishing includes a ventilation system, lighting, and carpeting. Its state-of-the-art radio-navigation system and its integrated control panel (VEMD, GPS) enable this new helicopter to be operated in VFR both day and night.
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 AS350 B3. These features guarantee the helicopter's high performance level. The EC130 B4 has arrived at the perfect moment to meet market needs and satisfy customer demands. It has become an integral part of Eurocopter's Ecureuil/AStar line, which is so appreciated by the company's customers.
Eurocopter is a wholly-owned subsidiary of EADS. EADS is a global leader in aerospace, defence and related services. In 2005, EADS generated revenues of € 34.2 billion and employed a workforce of about 113,000. The EADS Group includes the aircraft manufacturer Airbus, the world’s largest helicopter supplier Eurocopter and the joint venture MBDA, the second-largest missile producer in the global market. EADS is the major partner in the Eurofighter consortium, is the prime contractor for the Ariane launcher, develops the A400M military transport aircraft and is the largest industrial partner for the European satellite navigation system Galileo.
For more information, please contact:
| Jean Louis ESPES | Eurocopter |
Tel.: + 33 (0)4 42 85 95 55 Fax: + 33 (0)4 42 85 95 64 mailto: jean-louis.espes@eurocopter.com |
| Christina GOTZHEIN | Eurocopter |
Tel.: + 49 (0) 89 6000 64 88 Fax: + 49 (0) 89 6000 44 37 mailto: christina.gotzhein@eurocopter.com |
| Jesus RUIZ | Eurocopter |
Tel.: + 34 91 379 66 04 Fax: + 34 91 379 66 10 mailto: jesus.ruiz@eurocopter.com |
| Christopher BACH | Eurocopter |
Tel.: +49 (0) 906 71 45 65 Fax: +49 (0) 906 71 39 39 mailto: christopher.bach@eurocopter.com |
| www.eurocopter.com |
