Issued by the European
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), the certification covers the full range
of capabilities, including single-pilot and instrument flight rules
(IFR) and single engine operations (Cat.A/VTOL), along with night vision
goggle capability.
“The EC145 T2 is setting new standards in its class,” said
Airbus Helicopters CEO Guillaume Faury. “This new model features
a design to meet and exceed the latest challenging requirements of our
customers for mission capability. Our operators will benefit from an
unrivalled operational advantage thanks to the perfect combination of
airframe, equipment and performance”.
This comes along with the highest level of flight safety by our new
Helionix avionics suite”. Approximately 20 EC145 T2 currently
are in series production, providing a solid basis for the initial deliveries
and ramp-up in production rate.
To date, Airbus Helicopters has received orders and options for more
than 100 EC145 T2s, along with 15 of the military EC645 T2 variant for
the German Army. Enhancements incorporated in the T2 version of the
4-metric- ton category EC145 include new Arriel 2E engines and the company’s
signature Fenestron shrouded tail rotor, along with upgraded main and
new tail rotor gear boxes, and an advanced cockpit that uses Airbus
Helicopter’s innovative Helionix digital avionics suite with 4-axis
autopilot.
The new dual FADEC engines–combined with an upgraded main gear
box– guarantee an unprecedented level of one-engine inoperative
(OEI) performance, along with performance in hover, which are of utmost
importance in emergency medical services (EMS) operations and for flight
safety in general.
By applying Fenestron technology to the EC145 T2, Airbus Helicopters
brings the tail rotor’s benefits in terms of improved flight and
ground safety, enhanced anti-torque control efficiency, reduced power
demand in forward flight, lower noise and vibration levels. For its
use on the EC145 T2, the Fenestron has a new-design tail gearbox with
lower maintenance costs, and incorporates a duplex tail rotor actuator
and dual hydraulic circuits. This is installed in a new, damage-tolerant
all- composite tail boom.
