A record nine units of Eurocopter’s EC135 was sold in 2012, making it the most sought-after light twin-engine helicopter in India. The growing popularity of the EC135 in India was further demonstrated by a new order from one Indian customer and the delivery of an EC135 to another, at the Aero India 2013 exhibition.

Eurocopter signed a contract for the sale of one EC135 to Ghodawat Industries for this Indian company’s business aviation requirements. Configured with seating for four passengers, the helicopter will be delivered in May this year and is to replace the company’s smaller Eurocopter EC120.
Separately, Eurocopter provided a new EC135 to Mahindra & Mahindra, for corporate transportation use. Mahindra’s aerospace manufacturing arm, Mahindra Aerospace, is a valued partner of Eurocopter, both parties having forged a trade partnership focused on the manufacture of subassemblies, engineering and customization of civil helicopters, and the joint development of specific market segments in India.

“In 2012, the majority of new contracts we signed with Indian customers were for the EC135,” stated Eurocopter India CEO Xavier Hay. “The Ecureuil and Dauphin families have been leading the light-single and medium-class segments respectively in India. The EC135 has now made its mark to be the helicopter of choice for customers looking for light twin-engine rotorcraft products.”

There are over 1,000 EC135 in operation around the world for a broad range of missions, including law enforcement, emergency medical services (EMS), rescue operations and business aviation. It is especially well-received by EMS operators due to its large, unobstructed cabin, oversized sliding side doors and rear clamshell door that enable rapid loading/unloading of passengers and equipment. The Fenestron shrouded tail rotor is another welcomed feature that not only makes the EC135 a quiet machine to fly in the city, but also provides additional safety on the ground for passengers and crew; hence its increasing popularity in the corporate transport and business aviation market.