Airbus Helicopters (formerly Eurocopter) launched a new EC225e version of its’ EC225 Super Puma long range transport helicopter with improv...
The new variant is primarily designed for extended range missions – particularly in support of deep sea oil and gas airlift missions. Certification of the EC225e is targeted for late 2015, followed by the first delivery in mid-2016.
EC255e will be powered by a new variant of Turbomeca Makila turboshaft engine called Makila 2B. The engine features a new combustion chamber and high-power turbine blades that will permit a significant increase of maximim take off weight (MTOW)in CAT A conditions. Overall improvements to the engine will increase Time Before Overhaul to 4,000 hours.
The new Turbomeca Makila 2B turboshaft engines will provide 550 kg additional payload capacity, increasing mission radius by 50 nautical miles with 19 passengers or up to 300 Nm with 10 passengers with a new fuel tank.First bench test runs of the Makila 2B are ongoing and certification is planned for end 2015.
The new customer feedback based seating layout, provides increased comfort for passengers and offers better access to the cabin. Improvements in cockpit include, a Euronav7 moving map system, automatic identification system (AIS), TCAS2 collision avoidance system, and flight management systems which significantly increase pilot's situational awareness while reducing workload. The EC225e is designed to perform automatic GPS (global positioning system) approaches to oil rigs or airfields that are not equipped with radio navigation systems.
