Eurocopter’s newest lightweight single engine helicopter – the EC130 T2 – is completing a two-week demo tour in several European countries to demonstrate its exceptional capabilities for aerial work and heavy lifting operations in mountainous and low altitude environments.

Unveiled at Heli Expo 2012 in Dallas, where it registered a total of 105 bookings, the new version of the EC130 light helicopter was awarded EASA certification in May of 2012 and FAA certification on July of 2012. The first EC130 T2 was delivered last week to Maverick Aviation Group, a leader in the Las Vegas and Grand Canyon tourism industry, which placed an order for 50 of the newly enhanced aircraft.
The EC130 T2 demo tour, which kicked off in Evian (France) on September 27, will allow the new aircraft to show off its performances for clients and operators through flight demonstrations in Switzerland, Italy, The Netherlands and Sweden before finishing up the tour in Norway on October 15.

On average, some 50 customers per day will have the opportunity to fly onboard the new EC130 T2, the latest version of the proven EC130. The demonstrations will permit commercial customers from various market segments to discover the enhanced flight characteristics of the new aircraft, and special attention will be paid to showcase the capabilities of the EC130 T2 to perform aerial and utility work as well as passenger transportations in mountainous areas (Swiss and Italian Alps) as well as in low altitude conditions (Nordic countries).
This demo tour provides a unique occasion for aerial work operators to test the outstanding operational performances of the latest member of the Ecureuil family, which features an upgraded gearbox and a new Turbomeca Arriel 2D engine, providing 10 percent more average power than the engine used in the previous EC130 B4 version. Performance improvements for the EC130 T2 include a higher maximum gross takeoff weight (2,500 kg for internal loads and 3,050 kg when carrying external loads) and a speed increase of up to 10 knots.
Several guest pilots will be able to take the controls of the EC130 T2 side-by-side with Eurocopter pilot Olivier Gensse, where they will be able to experience the extraordinary lift capacity of the new aircraft’s aerial/utility work configuration, which features a cargo swing able to lift up to 1,500 kg.
Customers will also have the chance to experience the increased versatility and enhanced comfort of the EC130 T2 upgraded version, which provides improved air ventilation with an optional powerful air conditioning, an efficient anti-vibration system and ease of access thanks to its two sliding doors.

Source and photo: Eurocopter