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Chopper sets new vertical velocity records

Bigger brother of the Namibian Police’s Eurocopter EC145, the EC175 earlier this month set new Time to Climb records.

Bigger brother of the Namibian Police’s Eurocopter EC145, the EC175 earlier this month set new Time to Climb records.

Marignane, France, the new Eurocopter EC175, the bigger brother of the Eurocopter EC145 operated by the Namibian Police, earlier this month set two new time-to-climb records, further validating its performance specifications soon to be submitted to the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) as part of the certification process. Eurocopter targets EASA certification in early 2014.

Production of the Eurocopter EC175 continues as the 15th helicopter came on the final assembly line two weeks ago. “The EC175 confirmed it is the best-performing, most cost-effective and easiest to fly helicopter in its category,” said Laurent Vautherin, head of the EC175 programme.
Eurocopter’s two records for the EC175, which have been ratified by the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale, are: Time-to-climb to an altitude of 6000 meters, performed in 6 minutes, 54 seconds; and Time-to-climb to 3000 meters, achieved in 3 minutes 10 seconds.
With design elements that meet the full range of operating conditions – combined with its speed and range – the EC175 has become the benchmark medium-sized twin-engine helicopter for a full range of missions, including airlift duties for oil and gas operators, search and rescue, emergency medical services, public services, VIP and executive transport. Contributing to the EC175’s competitive edge is its recommended cruise speed of 150 kts., while the maximum cruise speed exceeds 165 kts. – all achieved at extremely low vibration levels. The Namibian Police received its Eurocopter EC145 in August 2011, complementing the existing fleet of Eurocopter Ecureuil AS350 B3s in providing comprehensive multi-mission civil protection capability.

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