Eurocopter Unveils EC145 T2

At Heli Expo 2011, Eurocopter unveiled its new EC145 T2 – an evolved version of the EC145 that incorporates new Arriel 2E engines, Fenestron shrouded tail rotor, upgraded main and tail rotor gear boxes, an new digital avionics suite and a 4-axis autopilot. 17 helicopters from four international customers have already been orderd and they will be used for emergency medical services (EMS), oil and gas operations and business aviation.

It benefits from the heritage of Eurocopter’s EC145 and its BK117 predecessor, which together have logged more than 2.8 million flight hours in service around the world. “Our EC145 T2 is the latest example of our company’s continued investment in innovation, which provides helicopters that are more efficient to own and operate, with higher performance and improved safety,” said Eurocopter President & CEO Lutz Bertling.

Eurocopter EC145 T2

The EC145 T2’s most visible change is the Fenestron shrouded tail rotor, which replaces the standard two-blade tail rotor. Advantages of the Fenestron include significantly higher safety levels on the ground and in flight, along with enhanced anti-torque control efficiency, reduced power demand in forward flight, and lower sound and vibration levels.

Eurocopter uses this kind of tail rotor already on the EC120, EC130, EC135, AS365 Dauphin and EC155. For the EC145 T2, its Fenestron has new composite blades, a new-design tail gear box, and incorporates a duplex tail rotor actuator and dual hydraulic circuits. It is installed in a new, damage-tolerant all-composite tail boom.

The EC145 T2’s new Arriel 2E turboshaft engines are digitally controlled by dual Full Authority Digital Engine Controls (FADEC), and provide increased performance throughout the helicopter’s operational range.

Source & Photo: Eurocopter

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