Fort Erie, ON – Transport Canada certifies the AS350 B3e – the next generation aircraft in the proven Ecureuil family of helicopters.
Officially launched at Heli-Expo 2011, the AS350 B3e is designed to carry out demanding missions in the most extreme weather and geographical conditions. Its exceptional lift capability, high endurance, extended range and fast cruise speed make the AS350 B3e the leader in its class.
“We look forward to enhancing our customers’ fleets, by offering the newly Canadian certified AS350 B3e,” said Mr. Guy Joannes, President & CEO, ECL. “Derived from the strength of the proven Ecureuil helicopter family, this versatile aircraft provides performance, power, comfort, excellent safety features and reduced direct operating costs, making it an ideal fleet addition for any type of mission.”
The AS350 B3e is a member of Eurocopter’s rugged and proven Ecureuil family. Some 4,900 Ecureuils have been delivered in 98 countries for some 1,600 operators, accumulating more than 22 million hours. More than 1,000 AS350 B3 series are currently in-service worldwide, and are mainly used for high performance missions in “high and hot” conditions.
The AS350 B3e features an enhanced Safran Arriel 2D turbo shaft engine, with higher reliability and reduced Direct Operating Costs. Engine filters are available for protection during flight in sand and snow conditions without a performance penalty. The AS350 B3e is equipped with a new digital FADEC (Full Authority Digital Engine Control) and is fitted with an engine data recorder. It incorporates tail rotor modifications for additional ease of piloting, and also features an improved interior design. The AS350 B3e cockpit will be fitted with a dual LCD-screen Vehicle and Engine Multifunction Display (VEMD), allowing the pilot to check at one glance, the main vehicle and engine parameters – thus reducing his workload and enhancing safety. The use of composite material gives the AS350 B3e the best protection against corrosion, as well as reducing maintenance costs.
About ECL & Eurocopter Group
Eurocopter Canada Limited (www.eurocopter.ca) is a subsidiary of Eurocopter. Eurocopter Canada based in Fort Erie, Ontario, with operations in Richmond, British Columbia and Montreal, Quebec – has a customer support network that spans the entire country. Eurocopter Canada celebrated 2009 as its 25th anniversary year. Established in 1992, the Franco-German-Spanish Eurocopter Group is a division of EADS, a world leader in aerospace, defense and related services. The Eurocopter Group employs approximately 17,500 people. In 2010, Eurocopter confirmed its position as the world’s number one helicopter manufacturer in the civil and parapublic market with a turnover of 4.8 billion Euros, orders for 346 new helicopters and a 49 percent market share in the civil and parapublic sectors. Overall, the Group’s helicopters account for 33 percent of the total worldwide civil and parapublic fleet. Eurocopter’s strong worldwide presence is ensured by its 30 subsidiaries and participations on five continents, along with a dense network of distributors, certified agents and maintenance centers. There are currently 11,200 Eurocopter helicopters in service and some 2,900 customers in 147 countries. Eurocopter offers the largest civil and military helicopter range in the world.
| For more information, please contact: | |
| Laura SENECAL Tel: (905) 871-7772 Cel: (905) 321-7738 laura.senecal[at]eurocopter.ca Eurocopter Canada Limited |
Julie GUÉRIN Tel: + 33 4 42 85 59 64 Cel: + 33 6 22 00 34 73 julie.guerin[at]eurocopter.com Eurocopter Group |
| Stéphane CHERY Tel : + 33 (0)4 42 85 60 51 Cel : + 33 (0)6 23 93 71 23 stephane.chery[at]eurocopter.com Eurocopter Group |
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Website: www.eurocopter.com
