At last year’s HeliRussia, the European rotorcraft manufacturer Airbus Helicopters (previously known as Eurocopter) showcased its EC145 twin-engine model in Moscow. An improved modification, the EC145 T2, has since been certified by EASA. Deliveries will begin in the third quarter of this year. Around 20 such helicopters are at varying stages of assembly. The manufacturer has landed more than 100 orders for the version in different configurations.
The principal visual difference of the new variant is that the EC145 T2 has the baseline’s two-blade tail rotor replaced with the proprietary Fenestron ducted fan solution. The EC145 T2 is powered by new Turbomeca Arriel 2E turboshaft engines with dual FADEC and an upgraded gearbox for better performance, and has a new modular avionics suite with three large PFDs and a four-axis autopilot in the baseline configuration.
Airbus Helicopters Vostok, a subsidiary dealer for Russia and the CIS, says no Russian customers have expressed their interest in the EC145 T2 so far. As soon as the situation changes, the manufacturer expects to hear from the Russian aviation authority about the prospects of obtaining a local certificate. According to Eurocopter Vostok, six examples of the baseline EC145 version are currently operated in Russia.
