The certification of the new EC145 T2 by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) covers all of the aircraft’s operational capabilities. These include single-pilot operation, operation under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR), single-engine operation (Category A/VTOL), and operation with night vision goggles.
“The EC145 T2 sets new standards in its class,” said Airbus Helicopters CEO Guillaume Faury. The new model is the answer to current demands and challenges regarding mission capabilities. Furthermore, with the new Helionix® avionics suite, the aircraft offers the highest level of flight safety.
Program Ahead of Production Ramp-up – Enhanced Safety and Comfort
Approximately 20 EC145 T2s are already being serially produced. This places initial deliveries and the production ramp-up on a solid foundation. To date, Airbus Helicopters has recorded firm orders and options for more than 100 EC145 T2s, in addition to 15 orders from the German Armed Forces for the military variant, the EC645 T2.
The T2 version of the EC145 – positioned in the four-ton class – offers significant improvements: new Arriel 2E engines, a shrouded Fenestron® tail rotor, a more powerful main gearbox and a new tail rotor gearbox, as well as an enhanced cockpit featuring Airbus Helicopters’ digital Helionix avionics suite with a four-axis autopilot.
In combination with the optimized main gearbox, the new engines – featuring dual-channel digital control (Dual FADEC) – demonstrate reliable performance in the event of an engine failure (OEI: One Engine Inoperative) as well as during hover flight. This is of paramount importance, particularly in air rescue operations (EMS: Emergency Medical Services), but also for aviation safety in general.
Technical improvements reduce consumption
With the Fenestron tail rotor from Airbus Helicopters, the EC145 T2 is quieter, generates less vibration, and is safer; furthermore, it offers more efficient torque control and requires less power in forward flight. For the EC145 T2, the Fenestron tail rotor was equipped with a newly designed gearbox – resulting in lower maintenance costs – as well as a duplex tail rotor actuator and redundant hydraulic circuits. The new tail boom is constructed entirely from composite materials.
The aircraft owes its broad operational spectrum to its modularity and its spacious, obstruction-free cabin with a flat floor. Initially, equipment options are available for utility transport, corporate, and EMS operations; however, in the near future, options for offshore and police missions will also become available. The Helionix system ensures maximum operational capability, flexibility, and flight safety – delivering excellent performance in flight envelope protection, pilot assistance, and situational awareness. Furthermore, the avionics suite features an innovative alert and self-monitoring system, thereby meeting the latest international standards.
The image shows the Helionix® system (© and source: Copyright Airbus Helicopters, Charles Abarr).
