The evaluations are being performed from Britain’s civil helicopter hub in Oxford and at Denham Aerodrome close to London, providing flight opportunities for private and utility operators, law enforcement agencies, as well as emergency medical service providers.

“As a helicopter industry leader, Eurocopter constantly is updating and evolving its product line, as represented by the EC130 T2 and EC145 T2,” said Markus Steinke, the Managing Director of Eurocopter UK. “Bringing these rotorcraft to the UK enables a broad section of the user community to fully appreciate their latest technology for enhanced mission capability and flexibility.”

Flights performed today for civil, private and utility operators were performed with the EC130 T2 at Denham Aerodrome, while parallel demonstrations involving the EC145 T2 at Oxford brought together personnel from law enforcement, emergency medical services and national security agencies.

The activity will conclude tomorrow with private customers, who will have access to the EC130 T2 and EC145 T2 at Oxford.

Eurocopter’s EC130 T2 is the latest member of its best-selling lightweight single-engine Ecureuil product line, and features enhanced comfort, improved operational performance and increased versatility.

While retaining the EC130’s existing external lines, approximately 70 percent of the EC130 T2’s airframe structure has been modified, with new features including use of a more powerful Arriel 2D turboshaft engine and upgraded main gearbox; the incorporation of an active vibration control system; improved air ventilation, distribution and demisting systems; a cabin interior structure redesign with a full flat floor; a cockpit update for enhanced man-machine interface; new energy-absorbing seats that improve weight and balance for passenger loading; integration of a crashworthy fuel tank; and increased maintenance accessibility for electrical and air conditioning systems.

In the twin-engine medium helicopter segment, Eurocopter’s EC145 T2 is an evolved version of the popular twin-engine EC145, incorporating new Arriel 2E engines; the company’s Fenestron shrouded tail rotor; upgraded main and tail rotor gear boxes; as well as an innovative new digital avionics suite with 4-axis autopilot.

Advantages of the Fenestron include improved flight and ground safety, along with enhanced anti-torque control efficiency, reduced power demand in forward flight, lower noise and vibration levels. On the EC145 T2, the Fenestron has a new-design tail gear box with lower maintenance costs, and incorporates a duplex tail rotor actuator and dual hydraulic circuits. It is installed in a new, damage-tolerant design all-composite tail boom.