The next-generation Eurocopter EC175, which sets new standards in the medium-sized twin-engine helicopter market segment, started an international demonstration tour that enables operators to experience first-hand its exceptional performance, flight characteristics and operational flexibility.

This tour kicked off with a two-week U.S. visit starting yesterday at New Iberia, Louisiana in the U.S. Gulf Coast region. It is the first of multiple stopovers across the country through March 15 that enables the helicopter’s evaluation by companies specialized in passenger transport and supply missions for the off-shore oil and gas industry.

Included on the EC175’s U.S. demonstration circuit is a March 5-7 appearance at the Heli-Expo helicopter industry convention in Las Vegas. Follow-on segments of the demonstration tour are planned later this year, bringing the EC175 to several additional regions in the world.

During these stopovers, the operators’ field visits will include flights with pilots and passengers, accompanied by presentations on topics that range from operations and performance to Eurocopter’s innovative support and services available for the EC175.

“This remarkable aircraft is living up to its promise, confirming the full capabilities in range, cruise speed and payload lift – all with high comfort levels for passengers and the most interior volume, along with the latest in avionics for pilots,” said Eurocopter President & CEO Lutz Bertling.

Bertling added that Eurocopter’s process of early consultation and analysis with the user community – combined with the latest-generation computer-aided design and virtual simulation mock-up – has established its EC175 as the medium-twin helicopter category’s reference.

“The result is the best-performing, easiest-to-fly, and most cost-effective helicopter in the medium-sized category,” he stated. “We also have undertaken unprecedented actions in optimizing aircraft maturity and ensuring a successful entry in service for the EC175, which is supported by a dedicated task force and tools that include validated support and services deliverables, along with the establishment of training capabilities.”

Contributing to the EC175’s competitive edge is its recommended cruise speed of 150 kts. (10 kts. faster than the previous figure, without affecting payload range), while the maximum cruise speed exceeds 165 kts, all achieved at extremely low vibration levels.

The helicopter’s range provides the reach needed by off-shore service providers and other operators, transporting 16 passengers in an oil and gas-configured EC175 to distances of 140 naut. mi., with the range approaching 200 naut. mi. when 12 passengers are carried.

The EC175 also has validated its excellent power performance, including hover out of ground effect (HOGE) at maximum 7.5-metric-ton take-off weight at 4,500 ft. at ISA+20°C conditions; excellent one engine inoperative (OEI) hover performance, which ensures safety during hoisting for search and rescue missions; extensive power reserve and heli-deck performance (PC1) at maximum take-off weight in ISA+20°C conditions.

The highest levels of mission flexibility and safety are provided by the EC175’s new Helionix avionics, which extends the superiority of in-flight envelope protection, pilot assistance and situational awareness that have been proven on Eurocopter’s EC225 helicopter.