Eurocopter Colibri
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| EC 120 Colibri | |
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| EC 120B Colibri | |
| Type | Light utility helicopter |
| Manufacturer | Eurocopter |
The Eurocopter Colibri (Hummingbird) is a single-engine, single main rotor, light helicopter manufactured by Eurocopter. It is also produced under license by Harbin Aircraft Manufacturing Corporation, STAero and CATIC. It is capable of carrying 4 passengers in addition to the pilot.
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[edit] Development
The EC 120 B is mostly built from composite materials and has a fenestron (shrouded) tail rotor, making it a particularly quiet helicopter. It also features crash-resistant seats and a crash-resistant fuel system.
The design of the Colibri's wide cabin (featuring excellent visibility) makes it suitable for wide variety of civilian and parapublic missions, such as utility transport, offshore transport, training, law enforcement, casualty evacuation and corporate transport. In the casualty evacuation role, the helicopter can carry one pilot and one stretcher patient as well as one or two medical attendants. For cargo carrying, the Colibri can carry one pilot plus 2.94 cubic meters of total useful load volume (cabin and hold).
In addition to its civilian roles, the Colibri is also used by the military for training, observation and light utility missions. In the latter role, it can carry a sling load cargo of up to 700 kg.
The EC 120 is an ideal Law Enforcement Helicopter. Due to its light weight, and powerful engine, it is able to carry equipment such as FLIR cameras, spotlights and other useful tools. Some Law Enforcement agencies currently using the EC 120 include: US Customs and Border Protection, the Edmonton, Alberta Police Service (AIR-1) and the Calgary Police Service (HAWC 2).
[edit] History
The first EC 120 B was delivered in 1998 and by the end of 2002, Eurocopter had already delivered more than 300 Colibris to various customers.
In 2006, the United States Department of Homeland Security Customs and Border Protection ordered 10 EC120 helicopters, with options for up to 55 which was reported as a total value of US$ 75 million[1]. This would put the unit cost at $ 1.36 million.
It was used in the movie The Island where it is called by its nickname "Whisper" due to its quietness.
[edit] Specifications (EC 120B)
Data from {name of first source}[1]
General characteristics
- Crew: 1 or 2 pilots
- Capacity: 4 passengers
- Length: 9.6 m (ft in)
- Rotor diameter: 10.0 m (ft in)
- Height: 3.4 m (ft in)
- Empty weight: 960 kg ()
- Useful load: 755 kg ()
- Max takeoff weight: 1,715 kg ()
- Powerplant: 1× Turbomeca Arrius IIF turboshaft, 335 kW (shp)
Performance
- Maximum speed: 280 km/h (150 knots)
- Range: 771 km ()
- Service ceiling: 6,100 m (20,000 ft)
- Rate of climb: 7.36 m/s ()
[edit] External links
[edit] Related content
Designation sequence
EC 120 - EC 130 - EC 135 - EC 145
Timeline of aviation
Aircraft · Aircraft manufacturers · Aircraft engines · Aircraft engine manufacturers · Airports · Airlines
Air forces · Aircraft weapons · Missiles · Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) · Experimental aircraft
Notable military accidents and incidents · Notable airline accidents and incidents · Famous aviation-related deaths
Flight airspeed record · Flight distance record · Flight altitude record · Flight endurance record · Most produced aircraft
