Eurocopter EC 225
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| EC 225 Super Puma | |
|---|---|
 Eurocopter EC-225 Super Puma MkII at Paris Air Show 2007 |
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| Type | Passenger Transport Helicopter |
| Manufacturer | Eurocopter Group |
| Maiden flight | 27 November 2000 |
| Introduced | December 2004 |
| Developed from | Eurocopter AS 332 Super Puma |
| Variants | Eurocopter EC 725 Cougar |
The Eurocopter EC 225 Super Puma is a long-range passenger transport helicopter developed by Eurocopter as the next generation in the civilian Super Puma family. It is a twin-engined aircraft and can carry up to 24 passengers along with 2 crew and a cabin attendant, dependent on customer configuration. The helicopter is marketed for offshore support and VIP passenger transport duties, as well as public service missions.
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[edit] Development
The EC 225 development was announced by Eurocopter in June 1998, with the first prototype performing its maiden flight on 27th November 2000. It received safety certification from the European Aviation Safety Agency in July 2004.
[edit] Design
The EC 225 is based on the Eurocopter AS 332L2 Super Puma, improving upon the design with a five-blade main rotor incorporating a new airfoil shape to reduce vibration levels. The helicopter is powered by two Turbomeca Makila 2A turboshaft engines mounted over the cabin, which feature a dual-channel Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) system and anti-icing system to enable it to operate in very cold climates. Other improvements include a reinforced main rotor gearbox and a full glass cockpit with Active Matrix Liquid Crystal Displays.
There are currently 4 configurations designed by Eurocopter for the EC 225. The passenger transport version has seating arrangements for 19 passengers with a high-density seating arrangement accommodating up to 24 passengers. The VIP transport version has a large VIP lounge with seating for 8 passengers and a cabin attendant. The Emergency Medical Service (EMS) configuration has medical units for 6 stretchers and 4 seats for medical workers. Finally, the SAR configuration allows for Search & Rescue equipment with an operator seat, hoistman seat and up to 8 rescue seats and 3 stretchers.
[edit] Operational History
Algeria became the first country to use the EC 225 when the Algerian Ministerial Air Liaisons Group (GLAM) received one in December 2004 for VIP transport duties.
[edit] Variants
The Eurocopter EC 725 is a military version of the EC 225.
[edit] Operators
- Algeria's Ministerial Air Liaisons Group operates 1 aircraft for VIP transport duties serving the Presidency of the Algerian Republic.[1]
- CHC Helicopter Corporation ordered 22 aircraft in 2007 to support the offshore oil & gas industry in the North Sea, with possibilities for search and rescue duties. They are expected to be delivered between 2008 and 2012.[2]
- The Japanese Army operates 1 helicopter in the VIP configuration for the Japanese Emperor’s Royal Flight Service and used to transport the Japanese Emperor, Prime Minister and official guests.[3]
- The Japanese Coast Guard operates 2 aircraft for Transport and Search & Rescue duties.[4]
- The Chinese Ministry of Communications ordered 2 aircraft in 2006 for their Rescue & Salvage Bureau. The helicopters will be equipped for Search & Rescue missions and are expected to be operational at the end of 2007.[5]
- Citic Offshore Helicopter Co. (COHC) ordered 2 aircraft in 2006 and expected to be delivered at the end of 2007. The aircraft will be in the offshore configuration and equipped with auxiliary pod fuel tanks for increased range.[6]
- Bristow Group operates 6 aircraft and ordered 3 more for North Sea operations supporting the oil & gas industry, with deliveries expected to be completed in 2008.[7]
[edit] Specifications (EC 225)
This aircraft article is missing some (or all) of its specifications. If you have a source, you can help Wikipedia by adding them.Data from {Eurocopter.com}[8]
General characteristics
- Crew: 1 or 2 (pilot + co-pilot)
- Capacity: 24 passengers + 1 cabin attendant
- Length: 19.50 m (63.98 ft)
- Rotor diameter: 16.20 m (53.14 ft)
- Height: 4.97 m (16.30 ft)
- Empty weight: 5,256 kg (11,587 lb)
- Loaded weight: 11,000 kg (24,251 lb)
- Useful load: 5,744 kg (12,663 lb)
- Max takeoff weight: 11,200 kg (24,690 lb)
- Powerplant: 2× Turbomeca Makila 2A turboshafts, 1,798 kW (2,411 shp) each
Performance
- Never exceed speed: 324 km/h (175 kts)
- Maximum speed: 275.5 km/h (148.5 kts)
- Cruise speed: 260.5 km/h (140.5 kts)
- Range: 857 km (463 nm)
- Service ceiling 5,900 m (19,350 ft)
- Rate of climb: 8.7 m/s (1707 ft/min)
[edit] References
- ^ EADS N.V. - Delivery Of The First EC 225 To The Ministerial Air Liaisons Group Of The Republic Of Algeria
- ^ Eurocopter Press Release - Eurocopter & CHC Helicopter Corporation Sign Contract For 16 EC225 Helicopters At Heli-Expo
- ^ EADS Press Release - Japan Defense Agency Received First EC225 In VIP Configuration For The Japanese Emperor’s Royal Flight Service
- ^ EADS Press Release - Eurocopter Succeeds With EC 225 In Open Japanese Competition
- ^ EC 225 Is Ordered For The First Time In China By The Ministry Of Communications To Fulfil Search And Rescue Missions
- ^ Eurocopter Press Release - Citic Offshore Helicopter Co. Ltd. (COHC) & Eurocopter Announce The Signing Of A Contract For The Supply Of Two EC225 Helicopters At The Farnborough International Airshow
- ^ Eurocopter Press Release - Bristow Group Inc. Signs Three Orders & Eight Options For Eurocopter EC225 At Heli-Expo 2007
- ^ Eurocopter EC 225 Technical Data. Retrieved on 2007-07-12.
[edit] External links
- Eurocopter EC 225 Technical Data Manual
- Aerospace Technology - Eurocopter EC 225
- Deagel.com - EC225 / EC 225 Super Puma
[edit] See also
Related development
Comparable aircraft
Related lists
- List of helicopters
- List of utility aircraft
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