Eurocopter’s latest addition to its family of high-performance, lightweight, single-engine helicopters, the EC130T2, has begun a demonstration visit to Australia prior to delivery to its new owner and launch customer.

A technologically-advanced version of the EC130B4, the world’s best-selling, high-performance, single-engine helicopter, the EC130T2 variant incorporates a package of advanced technologies that reinforce the family’s reputation as the quietest helicopters on the market.

This quietness is achieved by utilising an enclosed Fenestron tail rotor and an automatic variable rotor speed control system which, together, produce significantly reduced external sound levels while boosting payload, range and speed.

Said Jens Goennemann, Chief Executive of Eurocopter subsidiary Australian Aerospace Limited: “As the acknowledged helicopter industry leader, Eurocopter reinforces the success of the company’s strategy of evolving and expanding its family of helicopters with the EC130T2. The helicopter’s arrival in Australia for a short demonstration tour before delivery will enable a broad section of the user community to experience the latest technology for enhanced mission capability and flexibility”.

Designed to offer increased comfort, operational performance and versatility, more than 70 percent of the EC130T2’s airframe structure has been modified from the existing B4 model. The new helicopter features a more powerful Arriel 2D turboshaft engine and upgraded main gearbox, an active vibration control system and improved air ventilation, distribution and demisting.

Other enhancements include a complete redesign of the cabin interior structure to provide a fully flat floor, an updated cockpit to enhance the aircraft-pilot interface, new energy-absorbing seats to improve weight and balance for passenger loading, a crashworthy fuel tank and increased maintenance accessibility for electrical and air-conditioning systems.

Together, this package of improvements provides the new look EC130T2 with an impressive boost in performance, such as a higher maximum gross takeoff weight of 2,500 kg for internal loads and 3,050 kg for slung cargo.

The first EC130T2 to arrive in Australia, it was air-freighted from Europe and assembled in Queensland for delivery to its launch customer.

About Australian Aerospace: 
With more than 1200 staff in Australia and New Zealand, Australian Aerospace has access to the financial strength and expertise of Eurocopter and the EADS Group. At its production facility on Brisbane Airport, Australian Aerospace is currently assembling and delivering 47 MRH90 multi-role helicopters for the Army and Navy and supporting 22 Tiger ARH armed reconnaissance helicopters for the Australian Army. The company supports more than 500 Eurocopter helicopters in the Australia-Pacific region and is well positioned to deliver and support helicopters through a network of local facilities. In addition to its helicopter capabilities, Australian Aerospace supports the Royal Australian Air Force’s (RAAF) AP-3C Orion reconnaissance aircraft and C-130J Hercules transports.