1999, June 12^th

EC145 (BK117 C-2) Maiden Flight at Donauwörth

On June 12^th 1999 at ECD Plant Donauwörth the Maiden Flight on EC145 helicopters was performed by ECD Testpilot Helmut Rückert and Flight Test Engineer Hubert Müller.

The photo shows the first pre-production EC145, SN 9001.

EC145 – Maiden Flight Ceremony

After the successful maiden flight Helmut Rückert (ECD test pilot) and Hubert Müller (ECD flight test engineer) have been welcomed within a ceremony at ECD facility in Donauwörth. 

The photo shows from left to right: Helmut Rückert (ECD test pilot), Walter Sinn (ECD Vice president civil helicopters), Hubert Müller (ECD flight test engineer), Dieter von Hummel (Director ECD plant Donauwörth), Johannes Frese (ECD Profit Centre Civil Helicopters).

1999 / 2000

EC145   Pre-series Production Helicopters

ECD has produced three pre-series production ships (SN9001, SN9002 and SN9003). These helicopters have been used to perform the required certifications tests. The EC145, SN 9002 and 9003, with its special red respectively its blue paint schemes are used as company demonstrators.

The picture shows EC145, SN 9002 and SN 9003.

2000, Dec 20^th

EC145  LBA – Type Certification

On December 20^th 2000 the LBA issued the type certification for the EC145 (BK117 C-2) under LBA – N°: 3049

• Maximum Take-off Weight 3,385 kg
• 2 x Turbomeca ARRIEL 1E2 engines
• enlarged fuselage
• new main rotor blades
• Service ceiling 18,000 ft (5,486 m)

2001, June 11^th

EC145   DGAC Type Certification N° IM 216 in France

2002, Jan. 17^th

EC145   FAA Type Certification N° H13EU in USA

2002, February

EC145 Superstar at Heli Expo Orlando

On February 14^th 2002, Eurocopter unveils the EC145 at the Heli Expo Orlando / Florida. This latest model is a further development of the BK117 and the result of a collaborative effort with Kawasaki Heavy Industries.(Reference: EADS)

2002

BK117 – 25 Years of Co-operation EC / KHI

In 2002 Eurocopter (former MBB) and Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI) celebrated the 25^th Anniversary of its successful co-operation in developing and producing the BK117. During this period over 400 BK117 helicopters have been produced.

2002, April

First EC145 to the Launching Customer Sécurité Civile / France

In April 2002 ECD delivered the first EC145 (SN 9006) of 32 ordered helicopters to the Sécurité Civile / France.

2002, April

First EC145 to the Flying Squadron Police Hessen

Eurocopter delivered in April 2002 the first EC145, SN 9004, to the Police Hessen.

The picture shows the EC145 in front of the skyline of Frankfort

2002, July 24^th

Advanced Technology for Rotor Systems

On the basis of the EC145 rotor system a research programme was conducted under the name: Adaptable Dynamic Rotor System for Helicopters (ADASYS). This “smart rotor system” was tested on the BK117, SN 7045. The test should prove the efficiency and function of controllable flaps in main rotor blades.

2002, October

1,5 Million Flight Hours on BK117 and EC145

In October 2002 the fleet of BK117 and EC145 accumulated 1.5 Million flighthours.

2004, March

50^th Delivery of EC145

On March 31^st 2004, the 50^th EC145 production helicopter was delivered to the launching customer of the EC145 programme, the Gendarmerie Nationale / France.

2004

In 2004 the successful production of the BK117 stopped in favour of the EC145 (BK117 C-2)

Total number produced: 443 helicopters

Japanese Production

• BK117 A-1 to C-1: SN 1001 up to SN 1112

German Production:

• BK117 A-1 to B-2: SN 7001 up to SN 7275
• BK117 C-1: SN 7500 up to 7555

2005, May

32^nd  Delivery of EC145 for Sécurité Civile

On May 2005, the last of a total 32 EC145 helicopters in EMS configuration was handed over to the French Sécurité Civile. From April 2002 until today the Sécurité Civile has accumulated over 23,000 flight hours on the EC145.

2006, January

American Eurocopter’s Columbus facility to produce UH-145

EADS North America will produce the UH-145 rotary wing aircraft, the company is offering for the U.S. Army’s Light Utility Helicopter (LUH), at the American Eurocopter Columbus facility.

The Columbus facility is a modern and extremely capable plant that is tailor-made for the future UH-145 production. (Reference: EADS)

2006, February

The EC145 – Strong increase in order intake

The EC145 with its outstanding cabin space and versatility has established itself as a rugged, reliable working horse in Law Enforcement and EMS. In 2005, new orders for a total of 20 EC145s were booked and in consequence the annual production rate will be increased from 19 per year to 25 in 2006. (Reference: EADS)

2006, April

On April 7th 2006, an EC145 took off with a new Five-Blade Advanced Technology Rotor (ATR). This Rotor is an other milestone in the development of future rotor systems. The ATR is primarily designed for helicopters in the 4-ton-class. 

The main feature are:

• compact construction, thus will have cost- and weight advantages
• more comfort by less vibration
• reduction of noise
• enabling of a family concept

The development is sponsored by the German Ministry of Economics and Technology. (Reference: Eurocopter)

The graphic below shows the principles of the ATR. 

2006, June

EC145 helicopter for yacht owners

More and more yachts are equipped to carry helicopters, which appear to be an extremely convenient, rapid, comfortable and stylish form of transport. Most of Eurocopter’s helicopters can be embarked on yachts thanks to a long lasting experience of ship-based operation. Here the EC145 on deck. (Reference: Eurocopter) 

2006, June

EADS North America selected to provide UH-145 to U.S. Army

EADS North America announced, June 30^th 2006, the the UH-145 military helicopter has been selected by the U.S. Army as its next-generation Light Utility Helicopter (LUH). The LUH requirement is up to 322 aircraft.

EADS North America leads a UH-145 team of companies that includes four primary partners: its American Eurocopter business unit (production of UH-145), Sikorsky Aircraft (Contractor Logistics Support – CLS), WestWind Technologies (system integration and engineering support) and CAE (cockpit procedural trainers). (Reference: EADS North America)

2006, September

100^th  EC145 Helicopter delivered to STAT MedEvac

After a little bit more than 4 years Eurocopter marked the delivery of its 100^th EC145 helicopter. The helicopter was handed over to STAT MedEvac, an EMS operator, by our subsidiary American Eurocopter.

2006, October

100.000 Flight Hours with EC145

EC145 fleet reached in October 2006 its first 100.00 flight hours. The EC145 is in service with 38 operators in 19 countries.

2006, November

U.S. Army released order for 2^nd Production Batch UH-72A

On November 14^th 2006 the U.S. Army released the order for the 2^nd production batch, 34 units, for the UH-72A “Lakota” (LUH-145). EADS North America has now a total booking of 42 units.

2006, December

Hand over of the first UH-72A “Lakota” to the U.S. Army

On December 11^th 2006, EADS North America begins delivery of UH-72A “Lakota” (Light Utility Helicopters) to the U.S. Army.

The picture has been taken during the hand over ceremony of the first UH-72A to the U:S Army in the presence of General Cody (US Army), Tom Enders (CEO of EADS) and Ralph Crosby, Jr., (EADS American’s Chairman and CEO). (Reference: EADS North America)

2007, May

EC145 received Certification for night vision goggles operation

Common efforts between Eurocopter and the airworthiness authorities EASA (Europe) FAA (USA) and TCCA (Canada) on May 31^st 2007 the EASA has certified the EC145 for civil operation with night vision goggles. Eurocopter offers, as the first helicopter manufacturer, his civil operators this particular capability. (Rference: Eurocopter)

2007, June

Sécurité Civile celebrates 50,000 EC145 flight hours

The French Defence and Civil Guard’s EC145 fleet comprising 30 aircraft has clocked up 50,000 flight hours since delivery of the first EC145 helicopter in April 2002. The organization is also celebrating the 50^th anniversary of their helicopter squadron. (Reference. Eurocopter)

2007, July

London Metropolitan Police put EC145 into Service

In presence of Sir Ian Blair, Commissioner of the London Metropolitan Police Service, on July 4^th 2007, three EC145 helicopters were put into service. Eurocopter’s partner, McAlpine Helicopters Ltd., signed responsible for the installation of the specific police mission equipment. (Reference: Eurocopter)

2007, August

American Eurocopter delivers first U.S. Made UH-72A “Lakota”

American Eurocopter, the American subsidiary of the Eurocopter Group has been granted production authorization for the UH-72A and Ec145 helicopters, enabling these rotary-wing aircraft to U.S.-made for military and civilian customers.

The first such aircraft is the UH-72A Lakota No. 10. (Reference: EADS North America)

2007, September

EADS North America increases its UH-72A Lakota deliveries

EADS North America marked another milestone for the UH-72A Light Utility Helicopter programme by supplying two of its rotary-wing aircraft to the U.S. Army in September.

These are the 11^th and 12^th  UH-72A Lakotas, they also are the second and third “made in America” Lakotas. (Reference: EADS North America)

2008, December 8^th

EADS North America delivers the 50^th UH-72A Lakota – LUH to the U.S. Army

December 4^th EADS North America delivered the 50^th and 51^st UH-72A Lakota to the U.S. Army. This delivery marks another milestone in the acquisition and fielding of the UH-72A to satify the Army’s Light Utility Helicopter Program. (Reference: Eurocopter Press Release)

2010, July 30^th

new

EC145 – Fleet of Sécurité Civile accumulated 100.000 flighthours

The Sécurité Civile accumulated with its 34 EC145 helicopters 100.000 flighthours. The Sécurité Civile is the launching customer of the EC145 and operates its rotorcraft in France and its overseas departments. (Reference: Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH)

2011, March

new

REGA – 20.000 hours on EC145

The Swiss rescue operator REGA accumulated in March 2011 in eight years of operation with its six EC145 helicopters 20.000 flighthours.

2011, June 27^th

new

Industrial Co-Operation between Eurocopter and Kazakhstan Engineering for EC145

In presence of the Prime Minster of France, Francois Fillon, and Kazakhstan’s, Karim Massimov, the CEO of Eurocopter, Lutz Bertling, and Bolat Smagulov, CEO of Kazakhstan Engineering, mutually signed on June 27^th a co-operation agreement for the local manufacturing of 45 EC145 helicopters. (Reference: Eurocopter - Rotor Journal Nr. 91)

2012, April 27^th

new

Transportes Aéros Pegaso took delivery of EC145 - SN 500 - for Offshore Operation

At Eurocopter Deutschland plant Donauwörth Transportes Aéros Pegaso, a Mexican based offshore operation, took delivery of the EC145, SN 500, in offshore configuration. There is long lasting partnership between Pegaso and Eurocopter Helicopters.

2015, November 12^th

new

U.S. Army extends contract with an order for 12 new UH-72A Lakota helicopters

Herndon, Va. On November 12^th the United State Army has exercised $65,8 million in contract options for twelve additional UH-72A Lakota helicopters and associated mission equipment. (Reference: Airbus Group – Press Release)

2015, November 12^th

new

Airbus Helicopters provide global service solution for French Gendarmerie National and Sécurité Civile EC145 fleet

Airbus Helicopters has been awarded with a milestone contract for global service solution covering the entire fleet of 50 EC145 helicopters operated by French Gendarmerie and Sécurité Civile. (Reference: Airbus Helicopters – Press Release)