Bluecopter
Bluecopter technology is about providing advanced solutions for the protection of our environment.
Eurocopter Canada is acting to preserve and enhance our environment. We are striving to shrink our eco-footprint by further reducing the use of natural resources and hazardous materials in production, lowering emissions and cutting energy use in operations and by improving product design.
Eurocopter Canada received ISO 14001 certification in early 2012. ISO 14001 is an international, voluntary Environmental Management System (EMS) standard. This standard requires companies to identify environmental impacts and establish programs to effectively control and reduce those impacts.
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Bluecopter Technology in Motion
Eurocopter’s Blue Pulse™ technology is an active main rotor system that addresses noise levels generated by the interference of the rotor blade tip vortices from one rotor blade with the following blades.
The futuristic-looking Blue Edge™ main rotor blade has a double-swept shape to change the blade-vortex interaction (BVI) that occurs at the tip of any helicopter blade – significantly reducing noise levels created during a typical descent profile.
This maturing noise reduction technology has been validated since 2007 in Eurocopter flight trials using a five-blade Blue Edge™ main rotor on an EC155, showing a 3-4 dB noise reduction that effectively halves a helicopter’s noise profile during descent.
The Blue Pulse™ control system uses three flap modules located at the trailing edge of each rotor blade. The blades’ piezoelectric actuators move the rotor flaps 15 to 40 times per second in order to completely neutralize the “slap noise” typically associated with helicopters during descent. The Blue Pulse™ technology has been flying since 2005, showing a noise reduction of up to 5 dB.
The X3 has already established a maximum speed of 232 knots at 80 percent power and a rate of climb of 5,500 feet per minute.
Aircraft
The X3 Concept
Eurocopter began X3 flight testing in September 2010 at the Istres Flight Test Center in southern France, where the aircraft easily surpassed its initial speed target of 220 knots; reaching more than 230 knots in level flight while using only 80 percent of available power. Beyond confirming its excellent flight qualities, manoeuvrability, outstanding acceleration and deceleration capabilities, the hybrid demonstrator has shown exceptional climb and descent rates along with very low vibration levels – all without any need for passive or active anti-vibration systems.
Eurocopter’s aircraft configuration for the X3 uses a pair of turboshaft engines to power a five-blade main rotor system, along with two propellers installed on short-span fixed wings. This concept is well adapted to missions requiring long transit flights and where speed is important, while retaining vertical lift and hover capabilities – all at a very affordable cost.
The company envisions a wide range of applications for its hybrid technology in future products, including long-distance search and rescue (SAR), Coast Guard missions, border patrol missions, passenger transport and off-shore airlift, along with inter-city shuttle services. It also is well-suited for military missions in Special Forces operations, troop transport, combat SAR and medical evacuation – benefitting from the combination of higher cruise speeds with excellent vertical take-off and landing performance.
EC145 T2
Technology
The EC145 T2 combines EUROCOPTER’s breakthrough technologies, including an advanced cockpit design, modern avionics, 4-axis autopilot and a Fenestron® tail rotor, with the rugged and proven designs of the BK117 family, such as the main rotor system. Thanks to its outstanding roomy and versatile cabin, this aircraft can accommodate up to 12 seats and can be configured for either one or two pilots.
Powerful
The EC145 T2 is equipped with two powerful and modern Safran Arriel 2E engines, each controlled by a dual channel Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC), which, in combination with the aircraft’s lifting system, provide outstanding All Engine Operative (AEO) performances. The One Engine- Inoperative (OEI) performances of this new aircraft version have been significantly improved. The EC145 T2 is capable of Category A operations up to Class 1 and Class 2 performance, according to EASA OPS
Environmentally Friendly
Equipped with the Fenestron®, which significantly reduces sound levels, the EC145 T2 is the quietest helicopter in its class. The all-composite structure and aerodynamic geometry of this tail boom also contribute to optimized fuel consumption.
