In this centenary year of powered flight, Eurocopter is here at
Le Bourget marking its roots and achievements in helicopter technology
over the past 50 years.
Taking part in the daily flying display is an eight-helicopter
circus that covers that half-century of progress both visibly
and audibly. Leading off the display is a 1950s Alouette II, manufactured
by Eurocopter predecessor Sud Aviation, followed by its latter-day
counterpart, the EC 120. Next up is the Sud Alouette III, followed
by an EC 130, latest member of the successful Ecureuil family.
This direct comparison of old-vs-new will enable showgoers to
hear-or perhaps more accurately not hear-for themselves
the advances in noise reduction which Eurocopter has made, with
new-generation models having emissions 50-60% lower than those
of their predecessors, according to the manufacturer.
Making its Paris flying debut is the new EC 145, an extensively
modified and upgraded version of the multirole BK 117-C1 light
twin helicopter that again sets new standards in noise reduction-60%
quieter and 6.7 dB below ICAO standards. With its roomy cabin
made more easily accessible through elimination of central and
door upright posts, the EC 145 is proving popular with EMS, law
enforcement and parapublic operators.
Completing the Eurocopter 'rotary circus' are the EC 725, an 11-tonne
military counterpart of the civilian EC 225, both of which are
derived from the Super Puma/Cougar family; the Tiger combat helicopter;
and the NH 90 tactical transport/shipborne helicopter.
Complimenting this aerial celebration, Eurocopter is displaying
statically its full commercial/parapublic range-EC 120, EC 130,
EC 145, EC 155, EC 635 and EC 225-plus the Tiger, with NH Industries'
NH 90 occupying an adjacent spot in the park. An EC 135 and AS
355 are also available for customer demonstration flights.
