Airbus Helicopters has launched a new version of the EC225 at the Heli-Expo exposition in Los Angeles.
Dubbed the EC225e, the new model was launched on the back of an order for 15 machines by Lease Corporation International (LCI). Designed for the offshore mission, the EC225e will feature improved capabilities including greater fuel capacity, more payload, a revised cabin layout, and a new avionics suite.
The new engines are the Turbomeca Makila 2B turboshafts incorporate new combustion chambers and high-pressure turbine blades for better performance in all conditions.
“We developed the EC225e to meet growing requirements for longer-range flights, while retaining top levels of performance, passenger comfort and operational safety,” explained Airbus Helicopters president Guillaume Faury. “This is particularly valuable for oil and gas missions as the exploration and recovery of energy resources moves further offshore and into deeper waters.”
The new avionics will include a Euronav7 moving map system, a marine automatic identification system (AIS), a TCAS2 system, and a new flight management system.
The new model should help to rejuvenate the EC225 line after the global fleet suffered from a prolonged grounding in 2012/13 due to gearbox issues.
