Noticias

Airbus Helicopters unveils its latest helicopter and introduces a new era of rotorcraft excellence at Heli-Expo 2015

• Reveal of the highly-anticipated X4 medium-sized aircraft
• Rollout of a new and improved Customer Service offer and enhanced warranty conditions
• Strong focus on customer satisfaction at the heart of business

Orlando, Florida, 26 February, 2015

The high-profile presence of Airbus Helicopters at Heli-Expo 2015 will confirm the company’s leadership role, with its unveiling of the all-new X4 rotorcraft and a rollout of the industry’s most comprehensive customer services coverage.

These developments are aligned with the company’s transformation plan, which has been implemented to provide highly efficient helicopter solutions for customers around the world.
“This year’s Heli-Expo will demonstrate Airbus Helicopters’ unwavering commitment to our priorities of customer satisfaction, quality, safety and competiveness,” said President Guillaume Faury. “It reflects our transformation to achieve these goals, and will highlight our development of next-generation aircraft and services that offer our customers the best solution for their needs.”

(© Airbus Helicopters)

The X4 is to be unveiled March 3 at 11 a.m. EST on Airbus Helicopters’ Heli-Expo booth (#2437) in the Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, Florida. As the first next-generation rotorcraft rolled out under the Airbus Helicopters identity, the X4 embodies the company’s values of excellence, agility, unity and integrity.

Incorporating Airbus Helicopters’ expertise in aerodynamics, rotor blade design and avionics, the twin-engine X4 is an all-new medium-sized aircraft capable of a full range of civil and parapublic missions. “The X4’s public debut is one of the most anticipated events at Heli-Expo 2015, and we look forward to the excitement of sharing our vision for the future,” Faury added.

Also to be introduced at Heli-Expo is Airbus Helicopters’ redefined services offer with enhanced warranty conditions, along with a new approach for material management service and the supply of spare parts. This offer puts the priorities on customer satisfaction by committing to quality and performance, while ensuring safety and operational availability. The company’s transformation has yielded visible results, as exemplified by the recent ProPIlot survey results, where Airbus Helicopters moved up two spots in one year to take 3rd place.

The evolved Airbus Helicopters product line will be spotlighted on the company’s Heli-Expo exhibit stand, beginning with the EC175 in oil & gas configuration. Since its entry into service late December for North Sea operations for the oil and gas sector, the EC175 has been performing above expectations for a new aircraft with almost 90% availability, having transported 1500 passengers and accumulated more than 250 flight hours. This seven-ton-class rotorcraft has been certified to the latest airworthiness standards, and incorporates the Airbus Helicopters-designed Helionix® avionics suite.

An EC130 T2 in tourism configuration is also to be displayed at Heli-Expo, underscoring this light single-engine rotorcraft’s popularity with tourism and aerial sightseeing companies. Its Fenestron® tail rotor contributes to the helicopter’s very quiet operation, while the roomy modular cabin can accommodate up to seven passengers and the pilot.

The EC145 T2 exhibited at Heli-Expo will be operated in emergency medical services configuration by the U.S. launch customer. Enhancements of the “hot-and-high” evolution of the multi-purpose, twin-engine EC145 include new dual-Fadec Turbomeca Arriel 2E engines and a Fenestron shrouded tail rotor, along with upgraded main and new tail rotor gear boxes, as well as the Helionix digital avionics suite featuring a 4-axis autopilot. The EC145 T2 is both EASA and FAA certified and saw its first delivery in July 2014. Some 140 aircraft have been ordered, including the military version EC645 T2.
Follow all of Airbus Helicopters’ activities at Heli-Expo 2015, including daily announcements and feature stories, by visiting the company’s website at: www.airbushelicopters.com (newly re-designed for Heli-Expo 2015), and on Twitter @AirbusHC.

About Airbus Helicopters

Airbus Helicopters is a division of Airbus Group, a global pioneer in aerospace and defense related services. Airbus Helicopters is the world’s No. 1 helicopter manufacturer and employs more than 23,000 people worldwide. With 44 percent market share in civil and parapublic sectors, the company’s fleet in service includes some 12,000 helicopters operated by more than 3,000 customers in more than 150 countries. Airbus Helicopters’ international presence is marked by its 29 customer centers and participations and its worldwide network of service centers, training facilities, distributors and certified agents. Airbus Helicopters’ range of civil and military helicopters is the world’s largest; its aircraft account for one third of the worldwide civil and parapublic fleet. The company’s chief priority is to ensure the safe operation of its aircraft for the thousands of people who fly more than 3 million hours per year.

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The Royal Thai Army acquires six Airbus Helicopters EC145 T2

Marignane, France, 23 February 2015

A further addition to the Royal Thai Army’s rotorcraft fleet has been committed with the acquisition of six Airbus Helicopters light-utility EC145 T2, which is the newest and most powerful model in Airbus Helicopters’ proven EC145 light twin-engine helicopter family.

The Royal Thai Army signed for six EC145 T2s with a VIP installation, under the Light Utility Helicopter Type II requirement, to be deployed principally on official passenger transport duties, with deliveries scheduled to begin in 2016.

“By acquiring the EC145 T2, the Royal Thai Army again demonstrates its confidence in Airbus Helicopters’ products and services, following the successful entry into service of the AS550 C3e Armed Reconnaissance Helicopters in 2014 and the imminent delivery of the UH-72A Lakota Light Utility Helicopters from the United States,” said Philippe Monteux, Airbus Helicopters’ Head of Region South East Asia & Pacific.

© Airbus Helicopters

The EC145 T2 features a modern digital cockpit and a 4-axis autopilot. With a maximum take-off weight of 3.65 tons, the helicopter is powered by Turbomeca Arriel 2E powerplants equipped with dual-channel full authority digital engine controls (FADEC). Operational safety is enhanced by Airbus Helicopters’ Fenestron® shrouded tail rotor, particularly for landings and takeoffs in confined landing sites, as well as during loading/unloading on the ground while the rotor is turning.

The UH-72A is a version of the EC145 type produced by Airbus Helicopters’ plant in Columbus, Mississippi for the United States Army and Navy. Six units were acquired by the Royal Thai Army in December 2013 from the United States Army under the Foreign Military Sales program.

About Airbus Helicopters

Airbus Helicopters is a division of Airbus Group, a global pioneer in aerospace and defense related services. Airbus Helicopters is the world’s No. 1 helicopter manufacturer and employs more than 23,000 people worldwide. With 44 percent market share in civil and parapublic sectors, the company’s fleet in service includes some 12,000 helicopters operated by more than 3,000 customers in more than 150 countries. Airbus Helicopters’ international presence is marked by its 29 customer centers and participations and its worldwide network of service centers, training facilities, distributors and certified agents. Airbus Helicopters’ range of civil and military helicopters is the world’s largest; its aircraft account for one third of the worldwide civil and parapublic fleet. The company’s chief priority is to ensure the safe operation of its aircraft for the thousands of people who fly more than 3 million hours per year.

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Airbus Helicopters’ EC130 T2 enters the Indian market with orders from two launch customers

Bengaluru, India, 20 February 2015

Airbus Helicopters today signed Indian market launch orders for its single-engine EC130 T2 with Sanjay Ghodawat Group and Global Vectra Helicorp Ltd. (GVHL), which are to introduce the popular single-engine EC130’s enhanced version later this year for passenger transport services in Kolhapur and Delhi respectively.

Signing ceremonies with both customers – who ordered one EC130 T2 each – were held on Airbus Helicopters’ exhibit stand (OD-8) during Aero India 2015 at Bengaluru’s Air Force Station Yelahanka.

“We are delighted that our Indian customers have selected the EC130 T2 – which has the largest cabin of any single-engine rotorcraft in the world,” said Mr. Xavier Hay, Managing Director of Airbus Helicopters’ Customer Center in India. "We are confident the EC130 T2 will provide superior service in this country, especially with its advanced technology and the capability to deliver excellent performance in high and hot conditions.”

(© Airbus Helicopters)

The Sanjay Ghodawat Group is a diversified conglomerate with presence in consumer products, energy, mining, chemicals and agribusiness, among others. GVHL is India’s largest private helicopter company, which will assign the EC130 T2 to Birdie – its on-shore operations division offering charters and religious tourism services among others.

“We are the first to start shuttle services in India, and are confident of providing the best services with the EC130 T2 – which offers a true economical solution, combined with the highest levels of safety,” said Mr. Ed Van Dam, Chief Executive Officer at GVHL.

"The EC130T2 is suited to a broad range of travel solutions and features the latest technology and safety features,” added Mr. Sanjay Ghodawat , Chairman of Sanjay Ghodawat Group. “We are proud to be a launch customer for the EC130 T2 in India."

Airbus Helicopters’ multi-role EC130 T2 has a spacious cabin for one pilot and up to seven passengers. In addition to its improved performance, a number of enhancements enable easier maintenance and longer inspection intervals.

More than 70 percent of the EC130 T2’s airframe structure has been modified from the previous EC130 B4 version. New and updated features include the use of a more powerful Arriel 2D turboshaft engine and upgraded main gearbox; along with the incorporation of an active vibration control system, and improved air conditioning, distribution and demisting systems.

The EC130 T2 also has a redesigned cabin interior with a full flat floor, a cockpit update for enhanced man-machine interface, integration of a crashworthy fuel tank, and increased maintenance accessibility for the electrical and air conditioning systems.

Performance of the EC130 T2 has been improved for a higher maximum gross takeoff weight (2,500 kg. for internal loads, and 3,050 kg. when external loads are carried), and a speed increase of up to 10 kts. from the EC130 B4. Even with these enhancements, the EC130 T2’s external sound level remains within the strict rules for flights at America’s Grand Canyon National Park – an important factor for tour operators around the world.

About Airbus Helicopters

Airbus Helicopters is a division of Airbus Group, a global pioneer in aerospace and defense related services. Airbus Helicopters is the world’s No. 1 helicopter manufacturer and employs more than 23,000 people worldwide. With 44 percent market share in civil and parapublic sectors, the company’s fleet in service includes some 12,000 helicopters operated by more than 3,000 customers in more than 150 countries. Airbus Helicopters’ international presence is marked by its 29 customer centers and participations and its worldwide network of service centers, training facilities, distributors and certified agents. Airbus Helicopters’ range of civil and military helicopters is the world’s largest; its aircraft account for one third of the worldwide civil and parapublic fleet. The company’s chief priority is to ensure the safe operation of its aircraft for the thousands of people who fly more than 3 million hours per year.

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Airbus Helicopters extends its R&D capabilities in Europe by opening a new design office in Łódź – Poland

Łódź, Poland, 19 February, 2015

Building on a decade of cooperation in Poland, Airbus Helicopters today expanded its in-country presence by opening an engineering design office at Łódź, which will onboard approximately 100 engineers.

This new Airbus Helicopters Polska facility is to be assigned a wide variety of mechanical design activities, with a focus on future breakthrough technologies in such areas as rotorcraft drive systems and equipment.  Design work in the office will cover military and commercial helicopters, new-design platforms, and modernization of existing rotorcraft types.

“We see a significant potential from Poland, particularly with its young and skilled engineers who can contribute to a new way of bringing innovation to our products and systems,” said Guillaume Faury, the President of Airbus Helicopters.  “Our goal is to have Airbus Helicopters Polska directly involved with us in many fields, including organization, processes and design.  This underscores our commitment to working with Poland for the long term.”

Copyright Airbus Helicopters

Airbus Helicopters already has benefited from its 10-year cooperation with Poland, which has involved the Łódź University of Technology, and recently the Technical University of Radom, as well as the Gdańsk University of Technology.  As part of this activity, Airbus Helicopters’ development of its record-breaking X3 high-speed hybrid demonstrator aircraft was assisted by the Lodz University of Technology’s work on propellers, aerodynamic optimization and engine integration.  Polish engineers also have contributed to the development of the Tiger attack helicopter and the EC725 Caracal multi-role-helicopter.

The newly-inaugurated Airbus Helicopters Polska engineering design office is located in central Łódź at the Forum 76 Business Center.  It is the fourth such facility established by Airbus Helicopters in Europe, along with operations in France, Germany and Spain.

Airbus Helicopters is the leading Western rotorcraft manufacturer in Poland with 54 helicopters currently operating in the country. The company provides comprehensive maintenance repair and overhaul (MRO) services to this fleet through Warsaw-based Heli-Invest – the Airbus Helicopters’ local distributor and partner.

In addition, Airbus Helicopters is the only company to have successfully performed an important training program in Poland that enabled the transition from Soviet-era helicopters to modern rotorcraft.

About Airbus Helicopters

Airbus Helicopters is a division of Airbus Group, a global pioneer in aerospace and defense related services. Airbus Helicopters is the world’s No. 1 helicopter manufacturer and employs more than 23,000 people worldwide. With 44 percent market share in civil and parapublic sectors, the company’s fleet in service includes some 12,000 helicopters operated by more than 3,000 customers in more than 150 countries. Airbus Helicopters’ international presence is marked by its 29 customer centers and participations and its worldwide network of service centers, training facilities, distributors and certified agents. Airbus Helicopters’ range of civil and military helicopters is the world’s largest; its aircraft account for one third of the worldwide civil and parapublic fleet. The company’s chief priority is to ensure the safe operation of its aircraft for the thousands of people who fly more than 3 million hours per year.

For more information please contact:

Airbus Helicopters confirms its long-term commitment to the Middle East‘s armed forces

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 19 February, 2015

With hundreds of its rotorcraft operated by Middle East military services, Airbus Helicopters is further reinforcing the company’s regional presence to support these aircraft – which are used on missions that range from combat, counter terrorism and transport to search and rescue, special missions and training.

Airbus Helicopters’ more than 30 years of experience in the Middle East will be highlighted during this month’s International Defence Exhibition & Conference (IDEX 2015), being held at the Abu Dhabi Exhibition Centre.

“Our priority is to deliver customer satisfaction by offering products and services that deliver the highest levels of quality, safety, competitiveness and mission capability,” explained Oliver Lambert, Airbus Helicopters' Senior Vice President for Sales and Customer Relations. “We provide flexible, reactive and cost-effective helicopter solutions, available around-the-clock and in close proximity to our customers. We keep them flying, wherever their missions take them.”

(© Airbus Helicopters)

As part of its Middle East proximity strategy, Airbus Helicopters has opened a new technical office in Pakistan, which joins the company technical representatives and office in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Airbus Helicopters Customer Center in Saudi Arabia, service centers such as UAE-based Falcon Aviation Services; distributors such as Global Aerospace Logistics LLC in Abu Dhabi, and an operating agreement with AMMROC (the Advanced Military Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul Center) in Abu Dhabi.

Included on Airbus Helicopters exhibit at IDEX 2015 (Airbus Group Stand, Hall 8, B-05) are scale models of the EC645T2, EC725 and NH90 – which represent the diversity of its military product line.

The company‘s 4-metric-ton-class EC645 T2 delivers the high mission reliability and low operating costs of Airbus Helicopters’ multi-role EC145, which is a rotorcraft of reference for law enforcement agencies, parapublic organizations and military services – including the U.S. Army. It is an economical, low-risk and quickly available solution for missions that vary from special forces deployment to light attack and light utility.

Airbus Helicopters’ EC725 has been proven in combat conditions and crisis areas that include Lebanon, Afghanistan and Mali, while also supporting NATO-led operations in Libya. As the latest member Airbus Helicopters’ military Super Puma/Cougar rotorcraft family, this 11-metric-ton helicopter is ready for multiple missions, including combat search and rescue, long-range tactical transport, aeromedical transport, logistic support and naval duties.

The NH90 was designed to a NATO staff requirement for a medium-sized multi-role military helicopter that provides the benefits of fleet standardization for both land and maritime operations. Developed by Europe’s NHIndustries partnership, the NH90 serves as a core vehicle for two versions – tactical troop transport (TTH) and the NATO Frigate Helicopter (NFH), with both meeting requirements for vertical lift solutions over the long term while operating in harsh military environments on land and at sea.

About Airbus Helicopters

Airbus Helicopters is a division of Airbus Group, a global pioneer in aerospace and defense related services. Airbus Helicopters is the world’s No. 1 helicopter manufacturer and employs more than 23,000 people worldwide. With 44 percent market share in civil and parapublic sectors, the company’s fleet in service includes some 12,000 helicopters operated by more than 3,000 customers in more than 150 countries. Airbus Helicopters’ international presence is marked by its 29 customer centers and participations and its worldwide network of service centers, training facilities, distributors and certified agents. Airbus Helicopters’ range of civil and military helicopters is the world’s largest; its aircraft account for one third of the worldwide civil and parapublic fleet. The company’s chief priority is to ensure the safe operation of its aircraft for the thousands of people who fly more than 3 million hours per year.

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India’s Pawan Hans receives Airbus Helicopters’ Excellence Award in logging 450,000 flight hours with its Dauphin fleet

Bengaluru, India, 19 February 2015

Airbus Helicopters has conferred an Excellence Award on Pawan Hans Limited for this Indian operator’s overall contribution to the success of the worldwide Dauphin rotorcraft fleet.

The honor was bestowed during the Aero India 2015 air show at Bengaluru’s Air Force Station Yelahanka.

As India‘s national helicopter company, Pawan Hans has logged the highest number of flight hours with the twin-engine Dauphin in India – and the second highest in the world. At the beginning of 2015, approximately 450,000 airborne hours had been accumulated with its inventory of 35 Dauphins – consisting of 18 SA365 N versions, and 17 in the AS365 N3 configuration.

(© Airbus Helicopters)

Pawan Hans is one of Airbus Helicopters’ leading clients in India, and operates the country’s largest fleet of Airbus Helicopters civil rotorcraft, which are used for the transportation of personnel to offshore platforms, in shuttle flights between drill barges, for the airlift of state officials and VIPs, along with tourism charter services.

“Pawan Hans is one of most trusted names in Indian aviation today, and its Dauphins serve as the flagship rotorcraft in this operator’s fleet – with a proven track record of reliable operations in offshore and onshore sectors,” explained Xavier Hay, the Managing Director of Airbus Helicopters’ Customer Center in India. “We are committed to continuing the relationship with Pawan Hans, backed by our company’s dedication to safety, reliability and efficiency.”

Sh. BS Bhullar, Chairman and Managing Director of Pawan Hans Limited added, “The Dauphin is perfectly tailored to our needs, having successfully served us for 30 years. The helicopters have proven their ability to perform all types of missions, especially in offshore operations.”

Airbus Helicopters’ Dauphin family has been improved over the years to meet evolving market requirements. The AS365 N3+ is the latest evolved version in the Dauphin family which was certified in 2010, and is a powerful and fast rotorcraft that provides outstanding performance and long-range capabilities. It is fitted with the unique Airbus Helicopters dual digital 4-axis autopilot, and also incorporates the new generation, all-composite Fenestron® shrouded tail rotor that provides high maneuverability, exceptional efficiency at all speeds and unparalleled ground safety – with a low noise level making it the quietest in this rotorcraft’s category.

In addition to Pawan Hans’ Dauphin rotorcraft, the company operates two AS350 B3s from Airbus Helicopters’ Ecureuil family.

About Airbus Helicopters

Airbus Helicopters is a division of Airbus Group, a global pioneer in aerospace and defense related services. Airbus Helicopters is the world’s No. 1 helicopter manufacturer and employs more than 23,000 people worldwide. With 44 percent market share in civil and parapublic sectors, the company’s fleet in service includes some 12,000 helicopters operated by more than 3,000 customers in more than 150 countries. Airbus Helicopters’ international presence is marked by its 29 customer centers and participations and its worldwide network of service centers, training facilities, distributors and certified agents. Airbus Helicopters’ range of civil and military helicopters is the world’s largest; its aircraft account for one third of the worldwide civil and parapublic fleet. The company’s chief priority is to ensure the safe operation of its aircraft for the thousands of people who fly more than 3 million hours per year.

For more information please contact:

Airbus Helicopters selects X4 engine

Marignane, 18 February 2015

In 2012, Airbus Helicopters launched the X4 initial design concept around two highly capable turboshaft engines options: Pratt & Whitney Canada’s PW210E and Turbomeca’s ARRANO.
At the conclusion of this preliminary phase, and founded upon a comprehensive market assessment, Airbus Helicopters has decided to amend the product positioning, consequently necessitating a significant engine power increase.

Multiple scenarios have been studied with both engine manufacturers. Airbus Helicopters and Pratt & Whitney Canada have decided not to pursue a growth version of the PW210E engine for the X4 Program. Nevertheless, Pratt & Whitney Canada will continue to provide support until completion of the initial phase.

Airbus Helicopters values Pratt & Whitney Canada as a strong partner on the existing EC135 and EC175 platforms and is collaborating with P&WC on new opportunities including the PW210.

The X4 program will therefore enter into the full-scale development with a new uprated Turbomeca ARRANO engine. The X4 is Airbus Helicopters’s new generation medium twin-engine helicopter. Incorporating innovative technologies, the X4 will be tailored for a wide range of applications, including oil and gas operations, emergency medical services, public services, business and private aviation.

Copyright Turbomeca (Safran)

X4 will be presented to the public for the first time at HAI on the 3rd of March 2015.

About Airbus Helicopters
Airbus Helicopters is a division of Airbus Group, a global pioneer in aerospace and defense related services. Airbus Helicopters is the world’s No. 1 helicopter manufacturer and employs more than 23,000 people worldwide. With 44 percent market share in civil and parapublic sectors, the company’s fleet in service includes some 12,000 helicopters operated by more than 3,000 customers in more than 150 countries. Airbus Helicopters’ international presence is marked by its 29 customer centers and participations and its worldwide network of service centers, training facilities, distributors and certified agents. Airbus Helicopters’ range of civil and military helicopters is the world’s largest; its aircraft account for one third of the worldwide civil and parapublic fleet. The company’s chief priority is to ensure the safe operation of its aircraft for the thousands of people who fly more than 3 million hours per year.

For more information please contact: