Eurocopter EC 145

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Eurocopter EC 145
Eurocopter EC145 of the Rega.
Type Light utility helicopter
Manufacturer Eurocopter Group
Primary user United States Army
Developed from MBB/Kawasaki BK117
Variants UH-72 Lakota
A Eurocopter EC 145 (German ADAC air rescue helicopter)
A Eurocopter EC 145 (German ADAC air rescue helicopter)

The EC 145 is a twin-engine light utility helicopter manufactured by Eurocopter. Originally referred to as the BK 117-C2, the EC 145 is based upon the MBB BK 117-C, which became a part of the Eurocopter lineup when Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm was purchased by Daimler-Benz.

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[edit] Medical use

A medicalised version of the Eurocopter EC 145 is used by the Rega, a Swiss air rescue service. It accommodates a stretcher, a pilot, a medical doctor and a nurse, along with a complete range of emergency equipment.

It is fitted with a hoist which allows to send the physician down to a patient even in unaccessible locations, and lift them for evacuation.

[edit] Operational history

In 2006 it won the U.S. Army's Light Utility Helicopter Program, beating three other helicopters. This large order for a variant given the marketing name "UH-145" was placed by the United States Army. The deal involves the supply of 322 "light utility" helicopters with an option for 30 more. The total value (including service and maintenance) is approximately $3 billion. [1]

The planned 322 helicopters have been designated UH-72A Lakota by the U.S. Department of Defense for the United States Army. The first UH-72A was delivered in December 2006.

[edit] Specifications (EC 145)

General characteristics

  • Crew: Minimum 1 pilot
  • Capacity: 3,953 lb of cargo internally, including 5 persons or 2 stretchers
  • Length: 13.030 m ()
  • Rotor diameter: 11.000 m ()
  • Height: 3.45 m ()
  • Disc area: 143.33 m2 ()
  • Empty weight: 3,951 lb (1,792 kg)
  • Max takeoff weight: 7,903 lb (3,585 kg)
  • Powerplant: 2× Turbomeca Engines free-turbine turboshafts, () each

Performance

[edit] External links

[edit] Related content

Related development

Comparable aircraft

Designation sequence

EC 120 - EC 130 - EC 135 - EC 145 - EC 155

Related lists

 


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