Hyderabad, INDIA AVIATION 2010
Eurocopter, the global leader in helicopter manufacturing, is showing a strong presence at India Aviation 2010, the second edition of the international exhibition on Civil Aviation Sector. This event, being organized by the Indian Ministry of Civil Aviation, sees Eurocopter presenting its range of commercial helicopters and latest technology.

As Norbert Ducrot, Eurocopter Senior Vice President Sales & Marketing Asia Pacific points out, “With plans to establish flying ambulances, faster transport services to tourist destinations and religious places, and set up heliports in Delhi and Mumbai, the helicopter has a busy time ahead. As always, we at Eurocopter are set to bring in our expertise to support the growth of the Indian aerospace industry. “

Eurocopter currently has a fleet of 72 civil helicopters flying in India. Eurocopter covers about 50 percent of the oil & gas segment, with a majority of its aircraft being in service with Pawan Hans and Indocopters.

“For us, it is a very exciting time with respect to the Indian market. We plan to take our relationship with the Indian civil sector to the next level through several partnership agreements planned with our partners like Pawan Hans over the next few months. Our ambition is to largely increase our footprint in India to accompany the fast development of the helicopter services,“ added Mr. Ducrot, elaborating on Eurocopter’s plans for India.

Eurocopter expects the commercial sector around corporate and VIP transport to grow rapidly in India. Its newly designed Stylence range perfectly meets the Indian requirements. The second area of visible growth in India will be the Oil & Gas industry, which will create a need for medium range helicopters like the EC155 and AS365N3 or longer-range like the EC225. The field of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) as operated by helicopters will also emerge in a rather short time span. With more than 60% of the world EMS helicopter fleet, Eurocopter is committed to invest in the Indian market and to share its experience. Finally, with the powerful, reliable and cost-effective AS350B3, Eurocopter is a strong leader in the world for Utility missions. This helicopter is also perfectly adapted to Indian utility missions’ requirements. Therefore, thanks to its high-performing and easily adaptable range of products – the largest in the world – Eurocopter can fulfill all the needs of India, whatever the mission requirements are.

Flying high on the international success of this range, Eurocopter will be showcasing specifications and mock-up models of reference products like EC155 and EC175, the latest member of the Eurocopter family. Eurocopter’s long-term partner, Indocopters, will have an EC120 displayed on their booth. Flight demonstrations of the EC135 will also be conducted for existing and potential clients.

EC 175
The Eurocopter EC 175 medium twin helicopter made its first maiden flight in December 2009. This program milestone, planned for late 2009, was thus achieved on schedule. The EC 175’s radius of action offshore is 270 nm at ISA+20 and it has a top cruise speed of about 135 knots. The main gearbox has the capability to fly for 30 minutes after total loss of oil. Targeted primarily at the offshore oil market, the EC 175 offers 16 passenger seats. The Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6C-67E-powered rotorcraft is a 50-50 joint program with China’s Avicopter. EASA certification for this helicopter is pegged for 2011.

EC 155
The Eurocopter EC 155 medium-lift twin engine helicopter is a development of the AS 365N Dauphin 2, with 40% larger cabin area, new rotor and ‘glass cockpit’. In the medium/twin segment, the Dauphin family is looked upon as a key player thanks to its very high flight speed and long range. The spacious cabin, unrivalled flight comfort and remarkable autopilot raise the EC155 B1 to the standards of an airliner or a business jet. In India, leading corporations have become the latest members of this selected world club by acquiring the coveted EC155 helicopters.

Source: Eurocopter