Press Release
Issued by Airbus Helicopters.
March 2, 2011
Australian Aerospace Limited, supported by Eurocopter, the world's largest helicopter manufacturer, brings an impressive line-up of aircraft from its rotary-wing family to the 2011 Australian International Air Show at Avalon.
A total of seven helicopters will be at Avalon, ranging in size from the smallest family member, the Eurocopter EC120B Colibri, to the largest, the world's most advanced military helicopter in the 10 tonne class, the MRH90. Others in the static line-up display will include the seven- passenger EC130B4, the light, multi-purpose EC135 twin-engine now in service with the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and two versions of the six-passenger AS350 design. Additionally, a second EC130 will operate shuttle flights between Avalon and Melbourne.
Australian Aerospace is the Australia-Pacific region's leading supplier of civil and military helicopters and aerospace services, including fixed-wing military maintenance and support. It is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Eurocopter which, itself, is part of the European Aeronautic, Defence and Space Company (EADS).
In addition to its commercial helicopter activities, Australian Aerospace currently is assembling and delivering 22 Tiger ARH Armed Reconnaissance Helicopters to the Australian Army and 46 MRH90 Multi-Role Helicopters to the Army and Navy. It is also a contender for the new combat helicopter for the Australian Navy, offering the NH90 NFH Naval Frigate Helicopter now entering service worldwide.
"The two years since the last Avalon Air Show has been a period of both achievement and challenge for Australian Aerospace," says CEO of Australian Aerospace Dr. Jens Goennemann. "During this time we have significantly expanded our industrial footprint in Australia and the region." The company now employs more than 1,100 people across 14 sites in Adelaide, Bankstown, Brisbane, Darwin, Ingleburn, Moorabbin, Oakey, Redcliffe, Richmond, Sydney, Townsville and Auckland.
"On the Civil side of our business, Australian Aerospace continued to hold the no. 1 position in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific, during what has been a period of challenging economic conditions," continues Dr. Goennemann. "Australian Aerospace managed to achieve its main economic targets, and while the market for new helicopters in Australia and New Zealand remained flat throughout 2010, the company still delivered 19 helicopters, which was in line with its projections."
"In terms of future orders, 2011 could prove to be the most difficult year since the global financial crisis first hit, due to tight credit and conservative investment conditions and a sales pool of near- new aircraft across the region," Dr. Goennemann explains.
Eurocopter aircraft on display at Avalon this year include:
EC135P2: The ideal aircraft for basic and advanced helicopter aircrew training, being agile and responsive with multi-role capability. Offering high mission availability and low operating costs, the EC135, now in service with the ADF in Darwin, presents unrivalled safety on the ground and in flight. With its high-visibility, contemporary glass cockpit providing commonality with the ARH Tiger and MRH90, it is well suited to meet the requirement of the AIR9000 Phase 7 air crew training program.
EC120B: The light five seat single engine EC120 is a multipurpose helicopter designed to provide its users with mission flexibility. Modern and featuring advanced technology such as the VEMD, the new generation fenestron, crashworthy seats and fuel system, the EC120 is a safe, quiet and comfortable aircraft. With very low operating costs and outstanding performances, the EC120 is the most efficient aircraft in its class.
AS350B2: A highly-versatile six passenger, single-engine helicopter designed for aerial work, police missions, business transport or private use, due to its versatility and low operating costs.
AS350B3: This high-performance version of the AS350 is especially adapted to extreme conditions, such as very high altitudes and hot temperatures, and also the transportation of heavy loads. Seating up to six passengers, it makes an excellent fast, comfortable, business helicopter.
EC130B4: The new-generation seven passenger, single-engine aircraft well suited to private, tourist and charter missions. Equipped with a Fenestron tail rotor, the EC130B4 is the quietest helicopter in its class, offering low noise levels and new safety and comfort enhancements.
In addition to the static display (site EW-E13), large (scale 1/5) models of two other helicopters – the NH90 NFH and an EC635 - will also be featured on the EADS free-standing exhibit inside Exhibition Hall A. The Australian Aerospace Chalet (site N-17), adjacent to the static display line, will also exhibit a scale model of the latest member of the Eurocopter family – the exclusive EC145 Mercedes Benz, featuring an elegant and versatile interior styled on the Mercedes Benz GL Class motor vehicle. To highlight the partnership with Mercedes Benz, two vehicles will be on display with the helicopters.
