EC145 T2 and NH90 NFH naval helicopter to feature in flight demonstration

Berlin,  15 May 2014

Airbus Helicopters’ presence at the ILA Berlin Air Show reflects over four decades of helicopter manufacturing in Germany. Their exhibition features a range of brand-new models such as the EC145 T2 and EC135 T3 aircraft, as well as the NH90 NFH naval helicopter and the legendary BO105. Besides offering visitors an insight into its comprehensive service portfolio, Airbus Helicopters will also showcase the extent of its innovative solutions by demonstrating products including Helionix®, its latest generation avionics suite.

“Airbus Helicopters has well-established roots in Germany and has been working closely with civil and governmental customers for decades,” says Wolfgang Schoder, CEO of Airbus Helicopters Germany. “The German Armed Forces, state and federal police forces, rescue organizations and private companies all rely on our helicopters. We make every effort to preserve this trust and to offer our customers products and services of the highest quality and safety standards at competitive rates.”

Taking center stage among the Airbus Helicopters aircraft on display in Berlin will be the NH90 NFH, the most modern and versatile naval helicopter on the market, which will take to the skies during several flight demonstrations at the ILA. The NH90 NFH was specifically designed to meet the requirements of several NATO countries and is equipped with the latest systems for military operations and search and rescue missions. Already in service in five European countries – Italy, France, Belgium, Norway and the Netherlands – the NH90 NFH Sea Lion is also planned as a replacement for the 40-year-old Sea King fleet of the German Armed Forces. The EC145 T2 will also be on show as part of the flight demonstration. Airbus Helicopters’ latest model, entirely developed and produced in Germany, received EASA certification in mid-April; the first orders are due to be delivered to customers in the summer. Airbus Helicopters has already taken over 100 orders for civil and military versions of the new helicopter model. Features that distinguish the EC145 T2 from the previous EC145 model include its new engines, shrouded Fenestron® tail rotor, performance-enhanced transmission and expanded cockpit with digital Helionix avionics suite. Helionix is a new generation of helicopter on-board electronics with four-axis autopilot that support pilots in flight and provide significantly improved situational awareness. By reducing the pilot’s workload in this way, Helionix allows them to better focus on the various requirements experienced during operative missions, thereby making a major contribution to flight safety.

The EC135 T3/P3 is the latest upgraded version of the EC135, and is due to be delivered to the first customers this year. The new model’s improved features include increased flight performance in hot and high environments and in single-engine situations (or OEI, One Engine Inoperative). This was achieved by enlarging the rotor, changing the air intake and modernizing the FADEC engine control software. In addition to its new, enhanced cockpit design, the EC135 T3/P3 also has a higher maximum take-off weight and improved rates of climb at sea level. Airbus Helicopters’ presence at the air show also pays tribute to the BO105, a legend of helicopter construction in Germany that is celebrating a fleet milestone at this year’s ILA. There are currently some 700 aircraft in operation worldwide. With the introduction of its hingeless main rotor head the BO105 – which was first certified in 1970 – paved the way for the bearingless rotor systems of today’s helicopters. Then as now, the BO105 is characterized by its unique maneuverability – as demonstrated, for instance, in the impressive aerobatic demonstrations, including loops, that visitors will be able to witness at the ILA.

Airbus Helicopters also offers customers a wide range of services throughout the life cycle of their aircraft – available worldwide and around the clock. At ILA Berlin, the company will highlight its by-the-hour services and support packages for materials and logistics, among others.

You will find Airbus Helicopters at the Airbus Group Pavilion, Chalet West 8-14 at the Berlin ExpoCenter Airport exhibition location. Latest news and pictures from the show will be available online at www.events.airbushelicopters.com.