Eurocopter has teamed with renowned automobile manufacturer Mercedes-Benz to develop a special edition of the EC145 twin-engine turbine helicopter with a high-end interior, which was unveiled today at the 2010 European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition in Geneva, Switzerland.

The EC145 “Mercedes-Benz Style” was conceived in a design project led by the Mercedes-Benz Advanced Design Studio in Como, Italy, and bears all the hallmarks and passion of Mercedes-Benz design.

“Eurocopter has consolidated its position as the leading helicopter supplier for corporate and VIP operators based on a commitment to creativity, efficiency and performance with the world’s most modern rotary-wing product line,” said Olivier Lambert – Eurocopter’s Senior Vice President for Sales and Customer Relations. “The EC145 ‘Mercedes-Benz Style’ is our third major creative initiative of this type in seven years, ensuring that Eurocopter will continue as the helicopter manufacturer of choice for corporate and VIP customers.”

The EC145’s spacious cabin enabled Mercedes-Benz designers to take a modular approach for the new high-end interior, which is inspired by the automaker’s new R-Class range. Seat upholstery in the EC145 “Mercedes-Benz Style” will be available in deluxe materials and a range of colors, and a choice of elegant woods is offered to provide luxury underfoot. The overall impression of elegance and style is complemented by a stylish arrangement of wood panels for the ceilings.

All seats are mounted on rails and can be quickly and easily reconfigured for different seating configurations, or removed to make room for luggage. Three multi-function boxes with features such as a cool box, cup holder, table, monitor and DVD player have been incorporated, along with extra storage space provided by drawers. A partition wall with windows separates the cabin from the cockpit, and ambient cabin lighting utilized on Mercedes-Benz E-Class and S-Class vehicles is integrated the design of the passenger cabin.

A multi-purpose storage zone has been included in the EC145’s aft cabin, providing a high-capacity luggage compartment with numerous attachment points on the floor and walls for baggage, golf clubs and other outsized articles.

The EC145 is well suited for the application of “Mercedes-Benz Style”, as this turbine-powered aircraft is at the top of its class in the medium-sized, twin-engine helicopter category. It combines the company’s latest developments in cockpit design, avionics and a sophisticated electrical system, and incorporates a hingeless rotor system and enhanced rotor blades that ensure low noise and vibration levels. More than 315 EC145s have been sold around the globe for a full range of operations and mission applications, and it is the only helicopter of its type that can seat up to eight passengers.

“Eurocopter and Mercedes-Benz are a perfect match” said Professor h.c. Gorden Wagener, head of design at Mercedes-Benz. “Both are renowned for groundbreaking innovation and trend-setting products. We are delighted to join Eurocopter in unveiling the first product of our new “Mercedes-Benz Style”. The interior of the EC145 ‘Mercedes-Benz Style’, conceived in a design project led by the Mercedes-Benz Advanced Design Studio in Como, Italy, bears all the hallmarks and passion of Mercedes-Benz design”.

New production EC145s “Mercedes-Benz Style” will be available from the fourth quarter of 2011.

More information on the EC145 “Mercedes-Benz Style” – along with Eurocopter’s other products for the business aviation sector – is available at the Eurocopter exhibit (Stand 7010) during the 2010 European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition, which is being held May 4-6 at the Geneva PALEXPO exhibition center.

Source: EADS