Eurocopter has conducted the first flight of its first series production EC175, a medium sized twin-engine helicopter, and confirmed its performance. The maiden flight (seen above) occurred in early December at Eurocopter’s Marignane, France, headquarters facility.
Eurocopter has announced performance figures of recommended cruise speed 150kt, 10kt faster than the previous figure without affecting payload range, and maximum cruise speed exceeding 165kt, all at low vibration levels.
The company says its programme flight tests to date have confirmed the EC175’s power performance including hover out of ground effect (HOGE) at maximum takeoff weight at 4500ft at ISA+20C conditions; excellent one engine inoperative (OEI) hover performance; extensive power reserve and heli-deck performance (PC1) at maximum takeoff weight in ISA+20C conditions, available with the latest certified version of Pratt & Whitney Canada’s PT6C-67E engines.
First deliveries are to begin in September this year. The company says the excellent avionics, power, speed and low vibration levels make it a unique aircraft.
- Report by John King, photograph supplied by Eurocopter