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    1. Commercial Aerospace

    Second EC175 helicopter prototype from Eurocopter begins flight testing

    Dec. 28, 2010
    MARIGNANE, France, 28 Dec. 2010. The second EC175 prototype helicopter performed its first flight today at Eurocopter's Marignane, France facility. The first flight validated basic handling qualities and system functionality for the twin-engine EC175, which is a joint program of Eurocopter and Aviation Industry Corporation of China. (AVIC). Outfitted with completely new avionics, the EC175 has an easy-to-use man-machine interface, which reduces pilot workload. The EC175 is powered by two Pratt & Whitney PT6C-67E engines with dual-channel, new-generation Full Authority Digital Engine Controls (FADEC).
    Pennwell web 120 80
    Pennwell web 120 80
    Posted by John McHale MARIGNANE, France, 28 Dec. 2010. The second EC175 prototype helicopter performed its first flight today at Eurocopter's Marignane, France facility. The first flight validated basic handling qualities and system functionality for the twin-engine EC175, which is a joint program of Eurocopter and Aviation Industry Corporation of China. (AVIC). Outfitted with completely new avionics, the EC175 has an easy-to-use man-machine interface, which reduces pilot workload. The EC175 is powered by two Pratt & Whitney PT6C-67E engines with dual-channel, new-generation Full Authority Digital Engine Controls (FADEC). The latest EC175 prototype is configured for oil and gas industry transportation operations, and includes emergency flotation gear, external life rafts, a full set of radio navigation equipment, helicopter terrain avoidance systems (HTAWS) functionalities, HUMS, a cargo sling and hoist, along with a high-performance air conditioning system. Additionally, the helicopter is near to the final version that is scheduled for airworthiness authority certification in the second half of 2011, enabling EC175 deliveries to begin in 2012. As the EC175's flight test and development pace continues, its industrial activity also is continuing on schedule, Eurocopter officials say. The production line for EC175 airframes is operational at Harbin, China, and the helicopter final assembly line at Marignane is ready to receive the initial two Chinese-produced airframes -- both of which are configured for oil and gas transport missions. Delivery of the initial airframe from China to Eurocopter in France is expected before year-end, while the second will arrive first half 2011. Integrated logistics support activity for the EC175 also has begun, and INDRA has been selected to develop the helicopter's first full-flight simulator. The EC175 is a multi-role helicopter in the seven-metric-ton weight category, which fits into Eurocopter's product range between the AS365 Dauphin (four to five metric tons) and the AS332/EC225 Super Puma (nine to 11 metric tons) aircraft families. Two different helicopters will result from the common platform: the EC175 -- manufactured, sold and supported by Eurocopter in Marignane; and the Z15 –produced, marketed and supported by the AVIC Group. In addition to its version for the oil and gas marketplace, the EC175 also is being developed for missions that include search and rescue and emergency medical transport, and also can meet the needs of the commercial aviation industry for VIP and corporate transport. Depending on the configuration, the EC175 can accommodate as many as 16 passengers.

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