Eurocopter is upgrading its twin-engine AS355N model. The new variant, designated AS355NP, is designed as a cost-effective entry product in the twin market and will be available in April 2007.

Eurocopter says it will be a high performance multi-mission aircraft based on the proven technologies of the successful AS350 Ecureuil/AStar 'Twin Squirrel' series.

The manufacturer also plans to increase the payload, range and performance of its best-selling aircraft, the EC135. It sold 87 of these in 2005, 50 per cent of which were to the US.

To achieve this and attempt to stay ahead of the competition, the company has certified an increased take-off weight from 2,835 kg to 2,910 kg. Certification was granted in February 2006 and deliveries are expected to begin in late September.

The company has sold more than 720 units of the AS355 series, with over 3 million flight hours logged by

the fleet.