Eurocopter’s next generation aircraft

The world’s top helicopter manufacturer Eurocopter has just wrapped up a multination Asian demo tour for its next generation EC175 and the EC145 T2, the latest member in the EC145 family. According to Eurocopter Southeast Asia CEO Derek Sharples, both aircraft cater to a wide range of mission capabilities and would therefore be well-appreciated by customers in Asia where demand has been growing for heliborne services. Eurocopter’s breakthrough technologies like advanced cockpit designs and modern avionics has made the European manufacturer the undisputed leader with a turnover of 6.3 billion euros and 44 percent market share in the civil and para-public sectors according to 2012 data.  It has an Asian network of 10 subsidiaries in key countries like Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, India, China, Japan, Korea, Australia and the Philippines.

The twin engine medium sized EC175 is a versatile, fully equipped helicopter that can perform multi functions and is perfectly suited for the oil and gas industries. Its high cruise speed and flexible cabin configurations allow it to carry 16-18 passengers on more round trips per day – which translates to lower operating costs because you can bring in more people faster and at farther distances compared to other 7-ton class choppers.

Knowing Eurocopter, safety and comfort are key considerations, seen through features like wide windows, extra-large sliding doors on both sides and accessible cabin with a lot of legroom. The five-bladed main rotor as well as superior soundproofing account for the low vibration and noise levels, offering a very quiet and smooth riding experience for a 16-18 seat cabin configuration. The spacious cockpit – described as “designed by pilots for pilots” – has advanced features that reduce pilot workload like a “de-cluttered” all glass multifunction LCD display that gives a view of the alert and warning systems that reduce human error as much as possible.  

On the other hand, the 4-ton twin engine EC145 T2 (the latest evolution in Eurocopter’s EC145/BK117 family) is suited for multipurpose mission requirements like law enforcement operations, medical emergency services, search and rescue as well as corporate transport and utility services.

In fact, Germany’s Baden Wurttemberg Police ordered six new EC145 T2 choppers (for delivery in 2015-2016) to replace an existing fleet of mixed helicopter types. According to authorities, the T2s will be equipped with a modern “mission management system” to facilitate the multirole functions for the aircraft, with surveillance capabilities supported by forward-looking infrared and daylight cameras.

An innovative feature is the “Fenestron” tail rotor that significantly reduces vibration and noise levels that make the EC145 T2 the quietest helicopter in its class, not to mention very environment friendly. The all-composite tail boom with a new, damage-tolerant design helps optimize fuel consumption, and its new engine data recorder and e-Logbook can analyze chopper behavior, which means cost effectiveness as far as maintenance goes because these features help one anticipate upcoming maintenance needs.

They say time is money, and this is perhaps the reason why demand for helicopters is actually increasing in the Philippine market, with a lot of companies realizing that flying is the fastest and most convenient way for top executives to travel from one location to another to visit or check out operations, etc. In any case, rescue and relief efforts in the aftermath of super typhoon Yolanda demonstrated the critical need for helicopters because they offer the fastest means to airlift survivors and drop medical and relief goods even in remote, hard-to-reach areas in the country. Eurocopter certainly offers the most comprehensive civil and military range of helicopters suitable for demanding mission requirements.

USAF C-17 pic with 675 passengers goes viral

Speaking of Yolanda, the photo of a US Air Force C-17 cargo aircraft flying out of Tacloban with 675 passengers sitting cross-legged and shoulder-to-shoulder is going viral over the Internet. The plane normally carries about 120 soldiers or paratroopers, so this was definitely a record for the C17. According to reports, the world record for a single flight with the most number of passengers is held by a 747 that’s been stripped down to accommodate over 1,100 passengers.

As seen in the photo, the cargo hold was jammed with an odd assortment of passengers who were praying or just holding hands, grieving at their loss and uncertain of the future but nevertheless thoroughly thankful to leave behind the scene of tragic loss and desolation in the wake of the destructive super typhoon. 

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