Airbus Helicopters Adds Utility EC145 to Product Line

Airbus Helicopters received European Aviation Safety Agency approval for a new EC145 utility variant. The approval covers single-pilot day/night operations in VFR conditions. U.S. FAA approval is expected to follow by mid-year.

Formerly known as the EC145e, the twin-engine utility EC145 is fitted with a standardized interior and equipment list designed for utility missions, along with a 146 kg (322 pound) payload increase. Airbus Helicopters reduced weight of the EC145 by removing the automatic flight control system and replacing conventional cockpit instruments with dual electronic flight displays in the Garmin G500H avionics suite.

The helicopter can be adapted for missions ranging from passenger transport and aerial firefighting to airlifts with both internal and external loads. The No. 1 EC145, which first flew in August 2013, confirmed capabilities conducting missions such as firefighting demonstrations in Spain. In addition to accommodating multi missions for utility and commercial operators, the basic cabin layout can keep costs down and reduce delivery times, said Airbus Helicopters H145 program head Manfred Merk.