Press Release
author Christina GOTZHEIN
03/01/2007
Eurocopter upgrades its most affordable twin, the AS355 Ecureuil/TwinStar – EASA Certification granted on February 15, 2007, Deliveries to commence in May
To complement its successful range of light twin-engined helicopters, Eurocopter has upgraded the twin-engined AS355 N Ecureuil/TwinStar. Taking advantage of the experience accumulated on this product, the new variant, designated AS355 NP, is designed as a cost-effective entry product in the twin market. EASA certification was granted on February 15, 2007 and “Transport Canada” and Russian certifications are expected this year. First deliveries will take place in May and June 2007. The AS355 NP is a high performance multi-mission aircraft based on the proven technologies of
the successful AS350 Ecureuil/AStar series.
This new aircraft has been launched to meet the needs of a wide range of worldwide customers, for corporate transport or several utility missions. It will have enhanced Cat A performance, allowing it to take off at maximum gross weight up to Sea Level ISA+10. This helicopter has been developed and certified from the beginning with full Cat A procedures including surface level and elevated helipad, short field and confined heliport procedures. Improved OEI performances are significantly increasing the payload (+120 kg in HOGE, ISA, SL conditions) for customers operating in specific conditions where performance on one engine is required.
A VEMD system for commonality with the rest of the AS350 family of helicopters has been integrated. The aircraft will be simple to operate both in VFR and IFR missions. Maximum take-off weight with sling load will be increased by 200 kg from presently 2,600 kg to 2,800 kg. This represents an increase of 20 percent of external payload, giving the aircraft real aerial work capabilities. This is achieved by the integration of a new main gearbox, which is derived from the renowned top performer, the AS350 B3, and offers 500 kW of mechanical power on the main shaft.
The AS355 NP will be fitted with two Turbomeca Arrius 1A1 engines. On this new version, a new HP turbine has been integrated in order to increase emergency power for improved OEI performance. For this new variant, Turbomeca will pursue the target of higher TBO for the mature engine, with direct effect on operating and maintenance costs, thereby making the aircraft highly cost-effective. A redesigned, electrical oil cooling system is another benefit of the new variant. This redundant system offers more security and frees 14 kW of mechanical power on the transmission system.
Of the AS350/AS355 series, close to 4,000 aircraft are already delivered, making the Ecureuil/AStar/TwinStar family one of the most successful in the market. The total AS350/AS355 fleet in service has exceeded 17 million flight hours. Based on this experience and on the high commonality level with the single engine family, the AS355 NP offers excellent value for money.
The finishing quality has also been upgraded for corporate applications, with the famous “Stylence”-quality interior layout, which allows the aircraft to transport four passengers and one pilot with a high comfort level and with Cat A approved performances in all conditions. The versatility of this new aircraft allows it also to be exploited as an efficient utility multimission helicopter when regulation mandates OEI performance. Designed with a 2min 30s Maximum Emergency Power, this helicopter allows any customer operating critical missions with human cargo to ensure the completion of the whole rescue manoeuver in case of one engine failure. Positioned as Eurocopter’s light twins’ entry product, this affordable helicopter offers more performance for similar cost.
A Century of Vertical Flight
The first-ever vertical flight was made by Paul Cornu in 1907. Since then, the spirit of conquest, technological progress and innovative ideas have made the helicopter an indispensable vehicle for saving lives, protecting the public and contributing to the economic development of the world. Eurocopter is proud to celebrate this anniversary during 2007 and to share its passion for helicopters.
About Eurocopter
Established in 1992, the Franco-German-Spanish Eurocopter Group is a Division of EADS, a world leader in aerospace, defense and related services. The Eurocopter Group employs approx. 14,000 people. In 2006, Eurocopter confirmed its position as the world’s No. 1 helicopter manufacturer with a turnover of 3.8 billion euros, orders for 615 new helicopters, and a 52 percent market share in the civilian/commercial and parapublic sectors. Overall, the Group’s products account for 30 percent of the total world helicopter fleet. Its strong worldwide presence is ensured by its 16 subsidiaries on five continents, along with a dense network of distributors, certified agents and maintenance centers. More than 9,800 Eurocopter helicopters are currently in service with over 2,800 customers in 140 countries. Eurocopter offers the largest range of commercial and military helicopters in the world.
For more information, please contact:
the successful AS350 Ecureuil/AStar series.
This new aircraft has been launched to meet the needs of a wide range of worldwide customers, for corporate transport or several utility missions. It will have enhanced Cat A performance, allowing it to take off at maximum gross weight up to Sea Level ISA+10. This helicopter has been developed and certified from the beginning with full Cat A procedures including surface level and elevated helipad, short field and confined heliport procedures. Improved OEI performances are significantly increasing the payload (+120 kg in HOGE, ISA, SL conditions) for customers operating in specific conditions where performance on one engine is required.
A VEMD system for commonality with the rest of the AS350 family of helicopters has been integrated. The aircraft will be simple to operate both in VFR and IFR missions. Maximum take-off weight with sling load will be increased by 200 kg from presently 2,600 kg to 2,800 kg. This represents an increase of 20 percent of external payload, giving the aircraft real aerial work capabilities. This is achieved by the integration of a new main gearbox, which is derived from the renowned top performer, the AS350 B3, and offers 500 kW of mechanical power on the main shaft.
The AS355 NP will be fitted with two Turbomeca Arrius 1A1 engines. On this new version, a new HP turbine has been integrated in order to increase emergency power for improved OEI performance. For this new variant, Turbomeca will pursue the target of higher TBO for the mature engine, with direct effect on operating and maintenance costs, thereby making the aircraft highly cost-effective. A redesigned, electrical oil cooling system is another benefit of the new variant. This redundant system offers more security and frees 14 kW of mechanical power on the transmission system.
Of the AS350/AS355 series, close to 4,000 aircraft are already delivered, making the Ecureuil/AStar/TwinStar family one of the most successful in the market. The total AS350/AS355 fleet in service has exceeded 17 million flight hours. Based on this experience and on the high commonality level with the single engine family, the AS355 NP offers excellent value for money.
The finishing quality has also been upgraded for corporate applications, with the famous “Stylence”-quality interior layout, which allows the aircraft to transport four passengers and one pilot with a high comfort level and with Cat A approved performances in all conditions. The versatility of this new aircraft allows it also to be exploited as an efficient utility multimission helicopter when regulation mandates OEI performance. Designed with a 2min 30s Maximum Emergency Power, this helicopter allows any customer operating critical missions with human cargo to ensure the completion of the whole rescue manoeuver in case of one engine failure. Positioned as Eurocopter’s light twins’ entry product, this affordable helicopter offers more performance for similar cost.
A Century of Vertical Flight
The first-ever vertical flight was made by Paul Cornu in 1907. Since then, the spirit of conquest, technological progress and innovative ideas have made the helicopter an indispensable vehicle for saving lives, protecting the public and contributing to the economic development of the world. Eurocopter is proud to celebrate this anniversary during 2007 and to share its passion for helicopters.
About Eurocopter
Established in 1992, the Franco-German-Spanish Eurocopter Group is a Division of EADS, a world leader in aerospace, defense and related services. The Eurocopter Group employs approx. 14,000 people. In 2006, Eurocopter confirmed its position as the world’s No. 1 helicopter manufacturer with a turnover of 3.8 billion euros, orders for 615 new helicopters, and a 52 percent market share in the civilian/commercial and parapublic sectors. Overall, the Group’s products account for 30 percent of the total world helicopter fleet. Its strong worldwide presence is ensured by its 16 subsidiaries on five continents, along with a dense network of distributors, certified agents and maintenance centers. More than 9,800 Eurocopter helicopters are currently in service with over 2,800 customers in 140 countries. Eurocopter offers the largest range of commercial and military helicopters in the world.
For more information, please contact:
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Cécile VION-LANCTUIT: Tel: + 33 (0)1 49 34 45 04 Mob:+ 33 (0)6 72 83 90 67 cecile.vion-lanctuit@eurocopter.com
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Christina GOTZHEIN: Tel: + 49 (0) 89 6000 64 88 christina.gotzhein@eurocopter.com
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Christopher BACH: Tel: +49 (0) 90 671 45 65 |
Jesus RUIZ: Tel: + 34 91 379 66 04 Fax: + 34 91 379 66 10 |
