EC135 - On 21 February 2006, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) issued a type certificate for the two new versions of the EC135. Baptized the T2i and P2i, both are now offered as standard versions. They offer even greater performance levels than their predecessors, including an increased maximum takeoff weight.

Eurocopter had a surprise waiting for its already-existing and prospective EC135 customers at Heli-Expo: the twin-engine light helicopter improved its maximum weight to 2910 kg – an increase of 75 kg over the old version. And since the empty weight of the standard version has been reduced by 5 kg and the weight of the IFR(1) equipment by 10 kg, the carrying capacity has been increased by 90 kg. The EC135 can now either carry an additional passenger, fly a further 100 kilometers, or fly for an additional thirty minutes without refueling.

The EC135 has also improved in other areas as well: a 4% increase in acceleration at takeoff, improved rate of climb (from 60 to 130 feet/minute), and also better "high and hot" performances. The T2i and P2i versions of the EC135 can climb higher (by 2400 feet) than the previous versions. These improvements, all offered as part of the standard configuration, were made possible thanks to the selection of a higher rotor rpm under automatic speed control, a new type of oil, a new CPDS(2) software program for the instrument panel, and a new full-authority engine control system (FADEC).

The first of these new improved aircraft are to be delivered in September 2006. Operators of the EC135 T2 or P2 will have the option of upgrading their helicopters as well. “The entire program was completed in only one year, and all lead times and cost targets were met,” explained Markus Steinke, director of the EC135 program at Eurocopter. “All the new innovations were thoroughly analyzed in 45 hours of ground tests and 180 flight tests performed in France, Germany, and Spain. I would also like to point out the quality and the efficiency of our cooperative efforts with our partners Pratt&Whitney, Turboméca, Thales and ZFL, as well as with the German and European agencies LBA and EASA.”