Eurocopter debuts the X3 and EC175 helicopters
Eurocopter will showcase at the 2011 Paris Air Show next week, a number of its helicopters and includes the first public flights of its X3 hybrid demonstrator and new EC175 helicopter.
The company will also display the EC145 T2 and AS350 B3e helicopters; an AS565
Panther outfitted with the Stand Alone Weapon System (SAWS); the EC135
configured for law enforcement and customs missions; and a version of the EC175
tailored for search and rescue operations.
“Eurocopter applies innovation every day in
expanding the boundaries of flight, and the X3 is an excellent example of how
we are preparing for the future,” said Lutz Bertling, Eurocopter’s president
and chief executive oficer. “I am sure that professional visitors and the
public alike will be impressed by the X3’s extraordinary flight demonstrations
at this year’s Paris Air Show, which are unequalled in aviation.”
Also taking part in the Paris Air Show’s
daily flight program is the EC175, which is being developed by Eurocopter in a
joint program with China.
This multi-role helicopter is in the seven metric-ton weight category, fitting
into Eurocopter’s product range between its AS365 Dauphin and the AS332/EC225
Super Puma aircraft families. The EC175 benefits from a mix of proven and
advanced technologies, providing excellent performance and reliability.
The EC175 at the show is one of two
helicopters in the flight test and development program, the company expects the
rotary-wing aircraft’s certification during the second half of 2011 and
deliveries beginning in 2012.
A special Paris Air Show event is planned by
Eurocopter on 23 June to celebrate the three decades of operating excellence
with its Ecureuil/AStar helicopter family.