Noticias

Eurocopter brings its mission-ready military and civil helicopters To the Aero India 2013 exhibition

Bangalore, India, February 5, 2013 The capabilities of Eurocopter’s expanded helicopter product line in meeting a full range of India military, governmental and civilian missions will be at the forefront during this month’s Aero India 2013 exhibition, to be held at Air Force Station Yelahanka, near Bangalore.

The capabilities of Eurocopter’s expanded helicopter product line in meeting a full range of India military, governmental and civilian missions will be at the forefront during this month’s Aero India 2013 exhibition, to be held at Air Force Station Yelahanka, near Bangalore.

A cornerstone of Eurocopter’s static display is the AS565 MBe Panther naval helicopter, equipped with its full armament complement. This proven rotorcraft is proposed for both the Indian Navy’s planned acquisition of utility helicopters and the Indian Coast Guard’s anticipated purchase of ship-based light/medium helicopters. The AS565 MB Panther is a militarized member of Eurocopter’s popular Dauphin family, and has demonstrated its abilities in India – as one of this helicopter type’s largest civilian operators is the country’s Pawan Hans Helicopters, with a significant AS365 N3 Dauphin fleet.

“Eurocopter has made major investments in building up its product portfolio, which positions us to offer products that meet India’s mission requirements in bolstering its defense capabilities,” said Eurocopter President & CEO Lutz Bertling. “At the last Aero India event, we showcased the AS550 C3 Fennec, which was presented as the ideal replacement for India’s aging Cheetah and Chetak fleet. This time, we are bringing the combat-proven AS565 MBe Panther with a complete set of armament, which is in service in many military forces around the world.”

The AS565 MBe is a combat and utility helicopter suitable for both ship-borne and shore-based operations, and also serves as a highly capable search and rescue system for both day and night operations. Accompanying the helicopter’s display at Aero India will be a comprehensive armament suite for use in sea and ground warfare – including an anti-submarine warfare (ASW) torpedo, ASW depth charge, gun and rocket pods, and a 0.5-in. sniper rifle.

For naval missions, the Panther comes with a fully-certified 4-axis digital Automatic Flight Control System (AFCS) incorporating search and rescue modes, which enables search patterns to be flown automatically, along with automatic transitions to/from hover and automatic hover, as well as the ability to adjust the helicopter’s position from the hoist operator’s joystick.

Available for customer flights at Aero India 2013 will be an AS350 B3e from Davangere Sugar – the enhanced version of the single-engine AS350 B3, with exceptional lifting capability, extended range, fast cruise speed and great endurance in hot climates and high altitudes .

Featured as scale models on the Aero India 2013 exhibit stand of Eurocopter parent company EADS are the AS550 C3 Fennec, offered to fulfill India’s needs for a modern reconnaissance and surveillance helicopter (RSH); the new EC175, which demonstrated its unrivalled performance for off-shore oil and gas missions with the no. 1 production helicopter’s first flight; and the performance-enhanced new EC130T2, which shares the technological baseline with the AS350B3e. While the AS350 B3 is one of the most popular light helicopter products in India for utility and aerial work, the EC130 T2 will be ideal for passenger transport and tourism activities.

Eurocopter considers India as a key market, and has a long-established presence in the country. Its relationship with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) during more than five decades has seen hundreds of Eurocopter helicopters built in India under license, along with the production of composite assemblies for AS550/AS350 helicopters as part of Eurocopter’s global supply chain. In 2010, the company became the first helicopter manufacturer to establish a full-fledged subsidiary with the creation of Eurocopter India.

About Eurocopter India Pvt Limited
On October 20, 2010, Eurocopter inaugurated its new Indian subsidiary, which has been given the goals of expanding the world’s largest helicopter manufacturer’s commercial presence in this highly-promising marketplace, reinforcing its support and services network throughout the country, and further developing the company’s five-decade relationship with the Indian industry. Eurocopter India is the 25th subsidiary established worldwide by Eurocopter and the 10th in Asia. It is the first and only foreign helicopter manufacturer to have created a full-fledged subsidiary in India. The subsidiary is headquartered in New Delhi and has an existing facility in Bangalore for the management of industrial activity. A new commercial office was opened in Mumbai in 2012.

About Eurocopter
Established in 1992, the Franco-German-Spanish Eurocopter Group is a division of EADS, a world leader in aerospace and defense-related services. The Eurocopter Group employs approximately 22,000 people. In 2012, Eurocopter confirmed its position as the world’s No. 1 helicopter manufacturer with a turnover of 6.3 billion Euros, orders for 469 new helicopters and a 44 percent market share in the civil and parapublic sectors. Overall, the Group’s helicopters account for 33 percent of the worldwide civil and parapublic fleet. Eurocopter’s strong international presence is ensured by its subsidiaries and participations in 21 countries. Eurocopter’s worldwide network of service centers, training facilities, distributors and certified agents supports more than 2,900 customers. There are currently more than 11,780 Eurocopter helicopters in service in 148 countries. Eurocopter offers the most comprehensive civil and military helicopter range in the world and is fully committed to safety as the most important aspect of its business.

For more information, please contact:

Website: www.eurocopter.com

Eurocopter delivers EC135 T2 to National Police Agency

Tokyo, January 31, 2013 Eurocopter Japan delivered a brand new EC135 T2 to the National Police Agency (NPA) on 30 January 2013. It will be the first EC135 to be deployed to the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) for law enforcement missions in the Tokyo prefecture.

Eurocopter Japan delivered a brand new EC135 T2 to the National Police Agency (NPA) on 30 January 2013. It will be the first EC135 to be deployed to the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) for law enforcement missions in the Tokyo prefecture.

The NPA and its police departments across Japan currently owns a fleet of 28 Eurocopter helicopters, which includes seven units of EC135 and 13 BK117s (EC145). These aircraft are operated by the police to guard the security interest of their respective prefectures. The newly acquired EC135 T2 will be the first EC135 to be deployed to the MPD, which also operates an EC155 B1 for a wide range of police activities, including life-saving operations, transportation, crime-prevention, security patrols and investigative search.

The MPD was the very first police department to begin using helicopters since 1959, and is the most frequent user of helicopters for law enforcement work amongst all police departments in Japan. Due to the varying landscapes of Tokyo prefecture which includes the Tokyo city center lined with skyscrapers, the Ogasawara Islands and the mountains on the outskirts of Tokyo, the MPD requires a range of helicopter types to tackle different missions and environmental challenges. In times of national disasters, the MPD has also been actively called upon for support.

“We are very honored to be able to deliver the first EC135 to MPD, which has a large and wellequipped Air Squadron,” said Stephane Ginoux, President & CEO of Eurocopter Japan. “The EC135 is a model that is well-established in the law enforcement market around the world as well as in Japan. We will offer a full suite of support and services, including maintenance, operational support, as well as training, to cater to our customers’ needs.”

The EC135 is a powerful, lightweight, twin-engine helicopter renowned for its multi-mission capabilities, top-notch technology and low operating costs. Bearing Eurocopter’s Fenestron® shrouded tail rotor, the EC135 is one of the quietest helicopters in its class, making it a highly popular aircraft for flying over cities and densely-populated areas, and especially favored by law enforcement agencies and emergency medical services (EMS) operators. There are currently 70 EC135s flying in Japan for EMS, police work, electronic news gathering, VIP transport and business aviation.

About Eurocopter Japan
Eurocopter Japan Co.,Ltd was established in April 2009 as a subsidiary of Eurocopter (90%) and Itochu Corporation (10%). In July 2009, Eurocopter Japan established Eurocopter Japan T&E. Co.,Ltd, a joint venture with ANAM. After these two acquisitions, Eurocopter became the first foreign affiliated company in this field to become a full fledged industrial player in Japan. With around 55% market share in the civil and parapublic sectors, a fleet of 320 helicopters and 50 years of presence in Japan, Eurocopter Japan will continue to contribute to Japanese customers and the society by improving safety, usability and the cost efficiency of the air by providing excellent products and consummate services.

About Eurocopter
Established in 1992, the Franco-German-Spanish Eurocopter Group is a division of EADS, a world leader in aerospace and defense-related services. The Eurocopter Group employs approximately 22,000 people. In 2012, Eurocopter confirmed its position as the world’s No. 1 helicopter manufacturer with a turnover of 6.3 billion Euros, orders for 469 new helicopters and a 44 percent market share in the civil and parapublic sectors. Overall, the Group’s helicopters account for 33 percent of the worldwide civil and parapublic fleet. Eurocopter’s strong international presence is ensured by its subsidiaries and participations in 21 countries. Eurocopter’s worldwide network of service centers, training facilities, distributors and certified agents supports more than 2,900 customers. There are currently more than 11,780 Eurocopter helicopters in service in 148 countries. Eurocopter offers the most comprehensive civil and military helicopter range in the world and is fully committed to safety as the most important aspect of its business.

For more information, please contact:

Website: www.eurocopter.com

Eurocopter delivers 10th EC135 Training Helicopter to Japan Maritime Self Defense Force

Tokyo, January 31, 2013 Eurocopter Japan successfully handed over the 10th EC135 Training Helicopter (TH135, a variant of Eurocopter’s EC135 T2) to the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (MSDF) yesterday. The first TH135 was delivered in December 2009, to begin the replacement of their single-engine training helicopter fleet. The TH135s have been used by MSDF helicopter pilots since November 2011, with instrument flight training as part of the program from April 2012.

Eurocopter Japan successfully handed over the 10th EC135 Training Helicopter (TH135, a variant of Eurocopter’s EC135 T2) to the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (MSDF) yesterday. The first TH135 was delivered in December 2009, to begin the replacement of their single-engine training helicopter fleet. The TH135s have been used by MSDF helicopter pilots since November 2011, with instrument flight training as part of the program from April 2012.

The TH135 is the customized version for MSDF, based on Eurocopter’s light twin-engine helicopter EC135 T2. The selection was made taking into account the efficiency of its life-cycle cost, thanks to the operation rate and ease of maintenance. The EC135 fleet joins the Japan Ministry of Defense as its second Eurocopter helicopter type; the other being the EC225 model, which is being operated for VIP transport by the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force.

Eurocopter Japan has been delivering the TH135s on time, accomplishing the first instrumentation operation, assembly and customization. A full support system has also been set up to ensure prompt and timely parts delivery, as well as technical support for the maintenance and operation of the MSDF fleet. As a result, Eurocopter Japan was duly awarded by the Air Supply Depot of MSDF in December last year for its efficiency in parts delivery.
        
“The MSDF contract represents a milestone for Eurocopter in its efforts to gain a foothold in the Japanese defense market,” stated Stephane Ginoux, President & CEO of Eurocopter Japan. “It is a great achievement for us to have delivered the 10 TH135 helicopters on time.  Our selection and the subsequent recognition by MSDF clearly show the confidence that they have in our products and support services, which serves as a great motivation for us to strive even harder to meet our customers’ needs.”

Recognizing the benefits of the EC135 as a training helicopter, Japan became one of the first countries in Asia to acquire the TH135 variant for its training. Tailored for advanced training missions, the EC135 is well adapted for air crew of defense forces operating new-generation multi-role or combat helicopters. In Europe, countries such as Germany, Spain and Switzerland are already using the EC135 or its military version, EC635, for pilot training.

The EC135 is a modern light twin-engine helicopter in the 3-ton class, with a seating capacity of seven to eight passengers (five for TH135). It offers good maneuverability, high visibility and low vibration level. After making its debut in mid-1996, more than 1,000 EC135 helicopters have been delivered worldwide for a variety of missions ranging from pilot training and law enforcement to emergency medical services (EMS) and search and rescue. In Japan, there are currently 70 EC135s operating for EMS, police work, electronic news gathering, VIP transport and business aviation.
 

About Eurocopter Japan
Eurocopter Japan Co.,Ltd was established in April 2009 as a subsidiary of Eurocopter (90%) and Itochu Corporation (10%). In July 2009, Eurocopter Japan established Eurocopter Japan T&E. Co.,Ltd, a joint venture with ANAM. After these two acquisitions, Eurocopter became the first foreign affiliated company in this field to become a full fledged industrial player in Japan. With around 55% market share in the civil and parapublic sectors, a fleet of 320 helicopters and 50 years of presence in Japan, Eurocopter Japan will continue to contribute to Japanese customers and the society by improving safety, usability and the cost efficiency of the air by providing excellent products and consummate services.

About Eurocopter
Established in 1992, the Franco-German-Spanish Eurocopter Group is a division of EADS, a world leader in aerospace and defense-related services. The Eurocopter Group employs approximately 22,000 people. In 2012, Eurocopter confirmed its position as the world’s No. 1 helicopter manufacturer with a turnover of 6.3 billion Euros, orders for 469 new helicopters and a 44 percent market share in the civil and parapublic sectors. Overall, the Group’s helicopters account for 33 percent of the worldwide civil and parapublic fleet. Eurocopter’s strong international presence is ensured by its subsidiaries and participations in 21 countries. Eurocopter’s worldwide network of service centers, training facilities, distributors and certified agents supports more than 2,900 customers. There are currently more than 11,780 Eurocopter helicopters in service in 148 countries. Eurocopter offers the most comprehensive civil and military helicopter range in the world and is fully committed to safety as the most important aspect of its business.

For more information, please contact:

Website: www.eurocopter.com

Record turnover and boost in order intake in 2012: Eurocopter is heading to future growth

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Paris, France, January 24, 2013 Eurocopter delivered another very strong performance in 2012, with an all-time record turnover of 6.3 billion euros. The company’s second high record in bookings value marks a return to pre-crisis levels. This places Eurocopter in a strong position to benefit from its broad helicopter portfolio evolution, along with the expansion in services and a growing global footprint. Video link

Eurocopter delivered another very strong performance in 2012, with an all-time record turnover of 6.3 billion euros. The company’s second high record in bookings value marks a return to pre-crisis levels. This places Eurocopter in a strong position to benefit from its broad helicopter portfolio evolution, along with the expansion in services and a growing global footprint.

A strong growth in services and the 475 rotorcraft delivered last year generated a new turnover high of 6.3 billion euros – 15 percent more than in 2011, when the Group reached a previous record of 5.4 billion euros. With a cumulated average growth rate of nine percent since 2006, Eurocopter is delivering one of the most impressive success stories in the European industry. Milestones in 2012 included deliveries of the first enhanced AS350 B3e version and the initial latest-generation EC130 T2 helicopter – both members of Eurocopter’s popular Ecureuil family; along with the 500th EC145 delivery. Eurocopter also provided the first A350 jetliner passenger door set, underscoring its innovative composite technology production capabilities.

Eurocopter’s consolidated order intake in 2012 totaled 469 net bookings, representing a value of 5.4 billion euros and marking the company’s third consecutive yearly increase since 2010. Sales were paced by the Ecureuil/Fennec/EC130 family with 249 bookings and the EC135/EC145 families with 144 bookings; while the Super Puma family remained strong last year, backed by significant bookings from the oil and gas sector – including a framework contract for 16 EC225s with the Milestone Aviation Group leasing company, and a first contract for the new AS332C1e – placed by Starlite Aviation.

“Eurocopter took new steps during 2012 as we transitioned from being a helicopter manufacturer to becoming a true vertical-lift mission solutions provider, supported by the modernization of our product line while also providing a more comprehensive services offer and growing the global footprint,” said President & CEO Lutz Bertling. “A key contributor to our 2012 achievements was the dedication of Eurocopter employees – who are a determining factor in the company’s success.”

Consolidated turnover
Helicopter deliveries represented 49 percent of Eurocopter’s 2012 consolidated turnover, while services continued to play an increasing role by accounting for 42 percent of the total. Other activities represented the remaining nine percent.

Bookings by product range
Successes in key helicopter product lines drove the 2012 sales growth, led by the Ecureuil/Fennec/EC130 series:

• Eureuil/Fennec/EC130 family: 249
• EC145: 81
• EC135: 63
• Super Puma/Cougar EC225/EC725 family: 37
• EC175: 19
• Dauphin/Panther/ EC155 Family: 11
• EC120 Colibri: 9

Eurocopter’s services activity now accounts for 47 percent of the total bookings, thus paving the way for future growth of this business.

2012 highlights
Product line evolution was at the heart of Eurocopter’s achievements in 2012, including the enhanced EC130 T2 and EC145 T2 helicopters’ highly successful commercial launch, the go-ahead and first order for the new Super Puma AS332 C1e; maiden flight of the no. 1 production EC175 that demonstrated its unrivalled performance; and a highly successful U.S. tour for the hybrid X3 demonstrator aircraft.

In the military sector, 2012 highlights involved Eurocopter’s delivery of the initial NH90 TTH Tactical Transport Helicopter qualified in the Final Operational Configuration, received by the French and Belgian Armies; and the first final-configuration “Step B” version of the NH90 NFH NATO Fregat Helicopter, delivered to the Netherlands and the French Navy. Four German Army Tiger support helicopters were deployed to Afghanistan in the ASGARD (Afghanistan Stabilization German Army Rapid Deployment) version, and Germany received an on-time delivery of the NH90 TTH in its medical evacuation configuration for deployment in Afghanistan in 2013; while five Italian Army Aviation NH90 TTHs were positioned in Afghanistan during 2012.

Eurocopter’s focus on services also paid off last year, with key milestones including the installation of five new full-flight simulators, bringing the worldwide total to 20; establishment of an engine maintenance training center in Mexico with Turbomeca; an extension of the logistics and MRO (maintenance, repair and overhaul) network with an oil and gas industry support center opened in Perth, Australia; the expansion of global helicopter maintenance capabilities; and improvement of the Eurocopter Japan affiliate’s capacity with a brand new facility at Kobe Airport.

Major helicopter upgrade milestones in 2012 were Eurocopter’s initial delivery of the mission-enhanced Puma Mk2 to the U.K. Ministry of Defence, and handover of the first improved CH-53GA for the German armed forces.

Eurocopter has continued to develop its MRO capabilities through the Vector sister company, increasing its international footprint and offering new solutions – including an AS332 Super Puma upgrade, leasing and support offer.

2013 flight plan
Eurocopter’s focus in the coming year will be on program execution, with the company mastering its continued production ramp-up as deliveries are to increase by more than 15 percent in 2013. Goals include sustaining the delivery pace for Super Puma, Ecureuil, NH90 and Tiger helicopters, as well as preparing the EC175’s ramp-up. As optimization is a priority for
Eurocopter in 2013, the emphasis will be on lean products, lean processes, lean culture and lean foundation.

The advanced vertical-lift solutions also are 2013 priorities, as Eurocopter pursues concept validation and launch of the product application for its X3 hybrid aircraft; and advances the X4’s development as the first member in its next-generation family concept, to be followed by the X6 and X9 at less than two-year intervals for each.

To continue delivering on its strategy as a mission solutions provider, priorities in support and services for 2013 include a full range of MRO services to be developed for complete helicopters; the evolution of maintenance and overhaul capabilities on non-Eurocopter products that include both rotary- and fixed-wing aircraft; further expansions in training; and the creation of new, innovative services. Vector will significantly contribute to this deployment, developing solutions for multi-platform fleet operators and addressing specific market segments.

As a result, Eurocopter is laying the foundation to continue its growth story.

About Eurocopter
Established in 1992, the Franco-German-Spanish Eurocopter Group is a division of EADS, a world leader in aerospace and defense-related services. The Eurocopter Group employs approximately 22,000 people. In 2012, Eurocopter confirmed its position as the world’s No. 1 helicopter manufacturer with a turnover of 6.3 billion Euros, orders for 469 new helicopters and a 44 percent market share in the civil and parapublic sectors. Overall, the Group’s helicopters account for 33 percent of the worldwide civil and parapublic fleet. Eurocopter’s strong international presence is ensured by its subsidiaries and participations in 21 countries. Eurocopter’s worldwide network of service centers, training facilities, distributors and certified agents supports more than 2,900 customers. There are currently more than 11,780 Eurocopter helicopters in service in 148 countries. Eurocopter offers the most comprehensive civil and military helicopter range in the world and is fully committed to safety as the most important aspect of its business.

For more information, please contact:

Website: www.eurocopter.com

Eurocopter España's first-assembled NH90 helicopter takes flight

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Albacete, January 23, 2013 This morning a ceremony was held for the maiden flight of the first NH90 to be assembled by Eurocopter España at its facility in Albacete. The event was attended by María Dolores de Cospedal, President of the Regional Government of Castile-La Mancha, Spanish Defense Minister Pedro Morenés, Eurocopter CEO Lutz Bertling and the CEO of Eurocopter España, Francisco Vergé, among other political and military officials.

This morning a ceremony was held for the maiden flight of the first NH90 to be assembled by Eurocopter España at its facility in Albacete. The event was attended by María Dolores de Cospedal, President of the Regional Government of Castile-La Mancha, Spanish Defense Minister Pedro Morenés, Eurocopter CEO Lutz Bertling and the CEO of Eurocopter España, Francisco Vergé, among other political and military officials.

Following the two NH90 GSPA prototypes manufactured in Marignane (France), which are currently in Spain for the testing and certification campaign of the Spanish version, the NH90 GSPA03 will be the first helicopter to be delivered to the Spanish Army Airmobile Force (FAMET) in 2013 under the contract signed in 2006.

This represents a major milestone for Spain, which now assumes a role as a helicopter manufacturer together with its partners, France and Germany. Eurocopter España’s site in Albacete will be fully involved in the entire life cycle for these helicopters, from the design stage through to flight testing and certification, component manufacture, the final assembly line and integrated support.

The NH90 program, promoted by the Spanish Secretariat of Defense through the Directorate-General of Armament and Equipment (DGAM), is the first to supply all three branches of the Spanish armed forces. It will provide Spain’s military with an advanced helicopter transport system and associated technology, with Spanish participation not only in the manufacture of the helicopter itself but also in other areas such as installation of the electronic warfare systems, simulation equipment, automated test benches and engine assembly.

About the NH90
Produced in two basic versions – the Tactical Transport Helicopter (TTH) and NATO Frigate Helicopter (NFH) – this 11-metric-ton class rotary-wing aircraft provides a common platform for army, navy and air force roles, enabling countries to rationalize their helicopter fleets while also organizing training and support on a larger scale, with flexible management of personnel and equipment. Its large cabin, rapid access and quick role-change capability ensures mission flexibility for multiple operational scenarios.

To date, a total of 529 NH90s have been ordered by 14 nations, of which 418 are for the Tactical Transport Helicopter (TTH) version. Six NH90 final assembly lines are now operational in France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Finland and Australia under direction of the pan-European NHIndustries industrial organization comprising Eurocopter (62.5%), AgustaWestland (32%) and Fokker Aerostructures (5.5%). 136 NH90s have been delivered to the armed forces of customer nations and the helicopter has logged more than 31,000 flight hours, including service in conflict zones such as Afghanistan.

About Eurocopter
Established in 1992, the Franco-German-Spanish Eurocopter Group is a division of EADS, a world leader in aerospace and defense-related services. The Eurocopter Group employs approximately 22,000 people. In 2012, Eurocopter confirmed its position as the world’s No. 1 helicopter manufacturer with a turnover of 6.3 billion Euros, orders for 469 new helicopters and a 38 percent market share in the civil and parapublic sectors. Overall, the Group’s helicopters account for 33 percent of the worldwide civil and parapublic fleet. Eurocopter’s strong international presence is ensured by its subsidiaries and participations in 21 countries. Eurocopter’s worldwide network of service centers, training facilities, distributors and certified agents supports more than 2,900 customers. There are currently more than 11,780 Eurocopter helicopters in service in 148 countries. Eurocopter offers the most comprehensive civil and military helicopter range in the world and is fully committed to safety as the most important aspect of its business.

For more information, please contact:

Website: www.eurocopter.com

Eurocopter delivers Beijing Capital Helicopter’s first EC135 P2+ helicopter

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Beijing, China, January 17, 2013 Beijing Capital Helicopter has expanded its Eurocopter-built rotorcraft inventory with the addition of a VIP-configured EC135 P2+ for passenger transport, tourism and emergency medical services operations.

Beijing Capital Helicopter has expanded its Eurocopter-built rotorcraft inventory with the addition of a VIP-configured EC135 P2+ for passenger transport, tourism and emergency medical services operations.

A ceremony was held on January 15th in Beijing, where the President of Beijing Capital Helicopter, Mr. Xu Li Dong, accepted the Eurocopter EC135 P2+. Beijing Capital Helicopter will begin operating the new helicopter during the upcoming Lunar New Year holidays, offering aerial tours over selected tourist attractions.

This brand new light, twin-engine helicopter joins Beijing Capital Helicopter’s current fleet of five Eurocopter AS350 B3 Squirrels. Incidentally, they are the largest operator of this helicopter type in China.

“Beijing Capital Helicopter has played an important role in developing China’s business aviation sector, and the addition of its EC135 P2+ will further enhance the company’s ability to grow with the market,” said Norbert Ducrot, Senior Executive Vice President for Asia Pacific.

The EC135 is a multi-purpose helicopter with an advanced design and state-of-the-art technology. Following today’s delivery to Beijing Capital Helicopter, there are 14 EC135s in China – performing operations for business aviation, emergency medical services, law enforcement and passenger transport.

“The general aviation segment in China has been growing rapidly, resulting in higher demand for light helicopters in the last few years,” said Eurocopter China CEO Bruno Boulnois. “We have set up a comprehensive support network in the country to cater to the current and future needs of our customers as we anticipate the upward trend to continue.”

Beijing Capital Helicopter is an affiliate of Hainan Airlines Group, offering a range of vertical lift solutions that include charter flights, aerial tours, business transportation, aerial prospecting, and medical airlift. It is one of China’s leading integrated helicopter service providers.

About Eurocopter China
Created in December 2006, Eurocopter China is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Eurocopter Group, responsible for sales and customer support activities for the company’s entire range of products. In China, Eurocopter China covers a market share of 40%. With 45 years of presence and over 30 years of experience in industrial cooperation in China, around 180 Eurocopter helicopters have been sold in the country. In order to provide quality service in proximity to Chinese operators, Eurocopter China has established a multi-based organization in Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Harbin, Chengdu, Wuhan and Hong Kong staffed with around 65 employees.
Website: www.eurocopter-china.com

About Eurocopter
Established in 1992, the Franco-German-Spanish Eurocopter Group is a division of EADS, a world leader in aerospace and defense-related services. The Eurocopter Group employs approximately 20,000 people. In 2011, Eurocopter confirmed its position as the world’s number one helicopter manufacturer with a turnover of 5.4 billion Euros, orders for 457 new helicopters and a 43 percent market share in the civil and parapublic sectors. Overall, the Group’s helicopters account for 33 percent of the worldwide civil and parapublic fleet. Eurocopter’s strong international presence is ensured by its subsidiaries and participations in 21 countries. Eurocopter’s worldwide network of service centers, training facilities, distributors and certified agents supports some 2,900 customers. There currently are more than 11,300 Eurocopter helicopters in service in 149 countries. Eurocopter offers the most comprehensive civil and military helicopter range in the world and is fully committed to safety as the most important aspect of its business.

For more information, please contact:

Website: www.eurocopter.com

NH90: Eurocopter celebrates two firsts with Belgium and France

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Marignane, France, December 21, 2012 Eurocopter today achieved a new milestone in its NH90 program with two ceremonies held at its Marignane facility near Marseille in the south of France, during which the manufacturer delivered Belgium’s first NH90 Tactical Transport Helicopter (TTH) in the presence of the Belgian Defense Minister Pieter de Crem; along with the French DGA defense procurement agency’s first NH90 NATO Frigate Helicopter (NFH), in its naval Step B version, to be used by the French Navy.

Eurocopter today achieved a new milestone in its NH90 program with two ceremonies held at its Marignane facility near Marseille in the south of France, during which the manufacturer delivered Belgium’s first NH90 Tactical Transport Helicopter (TTH) in the presence of the Belgian Defense Minister Pieter de Crem; along with the French DGA defense procurement agency’s first NH90 NATO Frigate Helicopter (NFH), in its naval Step B version, to be used by the French Navy.

The first NH90 TTH helicopter delivered to Belgium is part of an order placed by the Ministry of Defense for a total of eight NH90s: four in the TTH variant, and four NFHs. The TTHs will be used by the Belgian armed forces for air transport missions, peacekeeping operations, disaster relief work, and humanitarian missions. The four NFHs scheduled for later delivery will replace Belgium’s aging Sea Kings in performing search and rescue (SAR) missions, and also will carry out maritime support tasks for the country’s M-class frigates.

© Anthony Pecchi

“It is an honor for Eurocopter to hand over the first NH90 to Belgium today in the presence of the country’s Defense Minister Pieter de Crem,” said Dominique Maudet, the Eurocopter Group’s Executive Officer for France, and Vice President - Global Business and Services. “This latest-generation aircraft will provide Belgium – a member state of NATO – with modern resources tailored to the diversity of its missions. In addition to this delivery, which has a symbolic importance, the Belgian armed forces can count on Eurocopter’s support when it comes to putting their NH90 fleet into service.”

Based on the latest model of the French TTH, this first aircraft was delivered to Belgium in its final operational configuration (FOC), ensuring interoperability between the Belgian armed forces and their French counterparts.

The NH90’s FOC version is equipped with field-tested avionics that enable the helicopter to carry out missions both day and night, regardless of the prevailing weather conditions. It also benefits from a high-performance self-protection system, an interoperable military communication system for international operations, and the necessary equipment for ship-based deployment.

Eurocopter also delivered the French DGA’s first NH90 NATO Frigate Helicopter (NFH) in its new Step B version, to be used by the French Navy. This aircraft will join the fleet of seven NFHs already delivered to the French Navy in the first standard configuration.

“This new naval variant of the NH90 represents a significant and eagerly-awaited step for the French Navy,” added Maudet. “It provides the French Army with an aircraft equipped with new functions that better respond to operational requirements, particularly in anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare.”


The NH90 NFH boasts a state-of-the-art weapons system that combines – as part of a high-performance platform – a package of ultra-modern electronic, acoustic and optronic sensors as well as weapons loads adapted to anti-ship and anti-submarine missions. The helicopter also performs SAR, amphibious, maritime surveillance and anti-piracy missions.

The six NH90 final assembly lines currently operational in France, Germany, Italy, Finland, Australia, and Spain are under the supervision of NHIndustries, a consortium jointly owned by Eurocopter, AgustaWestland and Fokker Aerostructures, which respectively hold 62.5 percent, 32 percent and 5.5 percent stakes.

To date, 133 NH90s have been delivered to 14 countries, and together they have logged more than 31,000 flight hours.

About Eurocopter
Established in 1992, the Franco-German-Spanish Eurocopter Group is a division of EADS, a world leader in aerospace and defense-related services. The Eurocopter Group employs approximately 20,000 people. In 2011, Eurocopter confirmed its position as the world’s number one helicopter manufacturer with a turnover of 5.4 billion Euros, orders for 457 new helicopters and a 43 percent market share in the civil and parapublic sectors. Overall, the Group’s helicopters account for 33 percent of the worldwide civil and parapublic fleet. Eurocopter’s strong international presence is ensured by its subsidiaries and participations in 21 countries. Eurocopter’s worldwide network of service centers, training facilities, distributors and certified agents supports some 2,900 customers. There currently are more than 11,300 Eurocopter helicopters in service in 149 countries. Eurocopter offers the most comprehensive civil and military helicopter range in the world and is fully committed to safety as the most important aspect of its business.

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Website: www.eurocopter.com