Eurocopter EC 145
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Eurocopter EC 145 | |
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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 |
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
- Maximum speed: 145 mph
- Combat radius: 370 nm ()
- Ferry range: 1,380 mi (461 nm)
- Service ceiling: 9,600 ft (2,925 m)
- Rate of climb: 1,600 ft/min (8.1 m/s)
[edit] External links
[edit] Related content
Related development
Comparable aircraft
Designation sequence
EC 120 - EC 130 - EC 135 - EC 145 - EC 155
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