Story ID: 5042612alerts
Eurocopter EC175 Zeroes In on Certification
By: Thierry Dubois
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Word Count: 172
The Eurocopter EC175 medium twin helicopter is making progress toward certification, with its engine type now approved and more performance numbers released.

Transport Canada has just certified Pratt & Whitney Canada’s PT6C-67E turboshaft, the engine manufacturer announced this week. “We can now transition from development to production as we prepare for the first delivery of the EC175,” marketing v-p Richard Dussault said. The 1,775-shp PT6C variant features a dual-channel Fadec.

Meanwhile, the airframer has revealed the precise maximum takeoff weight for the helicopter–16,535 pounds, for a useful load of 7,271 pounds. The radius of action, for two pilots and up to 18 passengers, is given as 135 nm (oil and gas configuration, JAR OPS 3, fuel reserves 30 minutes plus 10-percent contingency fuel, ISA conditions). AIN understands the cruise speed will be close to 140 knots.

Two prototypes have flown since the beginning of the test program in 2009, and aircraft certification is expected late this year. The helicopter is a joint program with China’s Avicopter.