At Farnborough, Airbus Helicopters’ significant role in the global law enforcement marketplace is underscored by scale models of the twin-engine EC135 T3/P3 in police and EC145 T2 in passenger configuration.
Airbus Helicopters’ pursuit of innovative technologies is also spotlighted at the air show with a presentation of the high-compression engine project – a collaborative effort to validate the use of improved-efficiency internal combustion engines in helicopters as part of Europe’s Clean Sky initiative. Working with a consortium that also includes engine manufacturers AustroEngine and TEOS, the goal is to demonstrate a high-compression engine’s potential to significantly reduce fuel consumption and emissions, while providing power-to-weight ratios needed for helicopter applications.
A high-compression engine currently is completing its test bench evaluations at Airbus Helicopters, and will be installed on an EC120 for ground-based testing. A scale model of the engine will be displayed on the Clean Sky initiative’s Farnborough Airshow exhibit (Hall 4, IZ/B10).
Airbus Helicopters is exhibiting with the Airbus Group at Farnborough where its scale models and video presentation featuring its training successes are displayed. They highlight the company’s role as a preferred manufacturer for law enforcement and security agencies, which is confirmed in the UK by Airbus Helicopters’ supply of rotorcraft to more than half of the country’s police air support units – backed by a full range of support and training solutions.
With the EC135 and EC145 in wide use by operators around the world, Airbus Helicopters has enhanced both rotorcraft as part of the company’s product evolution strategy. The latest EC135 T3/P3 version, due to be certified and delivered to initial customers this year, features increased flight performance and a higher maximum takeoff weight – benefitting from a larger main rotor, modernized FADEC flight control software and other changes.
The EC145 also has been improved in its EC145 T2 version – now certified for customer deliveries beginning in the third quarter of 2014, with improvements that include integration of the company’s signature Fenestron® shrouded tail rotor, the installation of new Arriel 2E engines, the use of upgraded main and tail rotor gear boxes, along with the integration of an advanced cockpit based on Airbus Helicopters’ Helionix® digital avionics suite with a 4-axis autopilot.
