Orlando – March 1, 2007 – HAI 2007
JB Air Inc., a Calgary-based helicopter operator that specializes in aerial firefighting, has purchased an EC 130B4. The purchase marks J.B. Air’s first purchase of a Eurocopter rotorcraft. According to J.B. Air owners/operators Joe and Kim Barr, the new EC 130B4 will focus on firefighting duties, but will also serve as a transport helicopter as needed.
“We like the EC 130B4 because it has the ability to land virtually anywhere, thanks to its Fenestron shrouded tail,” Joe Barr says. “We also think this aircraft will be invaluable for ‘smoke patrols’. Thanks to the high level of visibility offered by the EC 130B4’s large canopy, our fire spotters will have a clear field of view for detecting smoke and wildfire on the ground.”
“We chose Eurocopter because of its support network and strong reputation for service,” he adds. “As well, people love Eurocopters; whether they are experienced fire personnel or just educated passengers.”
The spacious EC 130B4 is equipped with a Safran Arriel 2B1 turbine engine offering FADEC (Full Authority Digital Engine Control). With room for up to seven passengers and one pilot, the EC 130B4 is built upon the same central structure as the AS 350B3, from which it is derived.
Thanks to its Fenestron tail, the EC 130B4 is extremely quiet. In fact, this rotorcraft’s generated noise level is 8.5 dB below ICAO limits and 0.5 dB below the Grand Canyon National Park Standard; the strictest aviation noise standard in the world. Yet despite its quiet demeanour, the EC 130B4 has a fast cruise speed of 140 knots (279 kph).
“Whether for fire suppression or EMS duties, the EC 130B4 delivers space, speed, and safety,” says Edouard Gaillat, President of Eurocopter Canada Limited. “It is the right aircraft for so many jobs in this country.”
Eurocopter Canada Limited (www.eurocopter.ca) is a subsidiary of Eurocopter. Eurocopter Canada based in Fort Erie, Ontario has customer support centres in Vancouver, British Columbia and Montreal, Quebec. 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 approx. 14,000 people. In 2006, Eurocopter confirmed its position as the world’s No. 1 helicopter manufacturer with a turnover of 3.8 billion euros, orders for 615 new helicopters, and a 52 percent market share in the civilian/commercial and parapublic sectors. Overall, the Group’s products account for 30 percent of the total world helicopter fleet. Its strong worldwide presence is ensured by its 17 subsidiaries on five continents, along with a dense network of distributors, certified agents and maintenance centers. More than 9,800 Eurocopter helicopters are currently in service with over 2,800 customers in 140 countries. Eurocopter offers the largest range of commercial and military helicopters in the world.
100 years of vertical flight
The first vertical flight ever made was made by Paul Cornu in 1907. Since then great pioneering spirit, technological advances and innovative ideas have turned the helicopter into an aircraft without which air rescue as we know it would be unimaginable and which makes a significant contribution towards the safety and protection of individuals and to economic development. Eurocopter is proud to join in celebrating this centenary and its own passion for helicopters in 2007.
| For more information, please contact: | |
| Laura SENECAL Tel : + 905 871-7772 Fax :+ 905 871-3599 laura.senecal[at]eurocopter.ca Eurocopter Canada Limited |
Cécile VION-LANCTUIT Tel: + 33 (0)1 49 34 45 04 Mob:+ 33 (0)6 72 83 90 67 cecile.vion-lanctuit[at]eurocopter.com |
| Christina GOTZHEIN Tel : + 49 (0) 89 6000 64 88 Fax :+ 49 (0) 89 6000 44 37 christina.gotzhein[at]eurocopter.com |
Jesus RUIZ Tel: +34 91 379.66.04 Fax: +34 91 379 66 10 jesus.ruiz[at]eurocopter.com |
Website: www.eurocopter.com
