Eurocopter EC 225 suffers one-year delay

Eurocopter now targets late next year as the new certification date for the EC 225. A derivative of the Super Puma, the new medium twin helicopter was originally set to be certified late this year. Major cockpit and autopilot design changes after the program started have lengthened the program by six months. Another six months were added due to a delay in a redesign of the third stage of the three-stage axial compressor of the new Turbomeca Makila 2A turboshaft engine. In addition to the new engines, the EC 225 has a five-blade main rotor.