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Home | Update | Latest Issue | Gallery | FR Profile | Datafiles | FR 5/97 EUROCOPTER EC 120 COLIBRI: THE CHALLENGER by Karl Schwarz Eurocopter is rounding out its product line. The new EC 120 Colibri (Hummingbird in the USA) is challenging established competitors such as Bell's legendary JetRanger. The European helicopter manufacturer has involved potential customers from the beginning of the program development. An advisory team of 35 operators from all over the world was able to bring in their requirements. Based on their recommendations, the new helicopter will have a sliding door on the left side and a rear door as standard. Eurocopter is also expanding its service and dealer network, especially in the USA, to ensure a flawless supply of spare parts and fast maintenance. According to chief engineer Bernard Certain, the pilots will appreciate the helicopter's stable flight characteristics and the excellent handling at high speeds, along with the quick response of the Arrius engine. According to Certain, the goal was to reach a better performance at lower costs. These design goals were achieved through a mixture of proven components and advanced systems. Most of the fuselage is made of composites while the center spars and stringers in the floor are made of metal. The five ergonomical seats are designed according to the newest guidelines for crashworthiness. The helicopter is powered by a Turboméca Arrius 2F turbine. The turbine is extremely light (only 103 kg including accessories) and is generating a take-off power of 376 kW (continuous power 335 kW). The newest Arrius model was certified on January 22nd of this year. The rotor blades are made of composites and have rounded tips for low noise emission. For the rotor head, Eurocopter is using the proven Spheriflex system from the Ecureuil. The EC 120's avionics is based on the "Avionique Nouvelle" from Sextant and SFIM which is also used in the EC 135. However, not all of the system's capabilities will be used in the single-engine EC 120. The engine data is displayed on a vehicle and engine multifunction display (VEMD). with two large LC displays. The Avionique Nouvelle is designed for a flexible upgrade, such facilitating the integration of special avionics needs. Eurocopter is trying to cut costs through a high degree of standardization. The manufacturer offers modification kits for the most important missions, such as VIP transport, police missions, training, aerial work, and emergency medical service. This makes the Colibri (Hummingbird) a very versatile aircraft. Marketing director Jean-Louis Boireau sees a market potential of 1600 aircraft over the next decade. The marketing for the new helicopter was officially started at this year's Heli-Expo. By the end of the Show, Eurocopter had logged 20 orders which is the production of this and the next year. First deliveries are scheduled for the end of this year. The certification of the new helicopter is next on the agenda. Since all necessary tests have been documented the approval of the European aviation authorities JAA is expected to be given sometime in spring of this year. The Colibri will be final assembled in Marignane, France, but the program is an international cooperation. CATIC/HAMC in China is supplying the entire equipped fuselage structure and Singapore Technologies Aerospace contributes the tail unit and doors made of composite. The Asian connection certainly helps to keep the price for the EC 120 down. The Colibri will supposedly be available this and the following year for a price of $770000. From page 28 of FLUG REVUE 5/97 Home | Update | Latest Issue | Gallery | FR Profile | Datafiles | FR 5/97 Copyright 1997 by Motor-Presse Stuttgart. All rights reserved. Last updated March 30, 1997