Eurocopter EC 175 helicopter completes unofficial maiden flight

The Eurocopter EC 175 medium twin helicopter completed its maiden flight, on December 4, 2009, at Marignane, France, reports say. The helicopter is said to make its official maiden flight on December 10, 2009. The Eurocopter EC 175 has 16 passengers seats and is powered by the Pratt & Whitney PT6C engines.

Photo: Eurocopter EC 175 medium twin helicopter

The Eurocopter EC175 has a new main gearbox with two accessory gearboxes for double redundancy and De-clutch capability for Auxiliary Power Unit benefits.

The helicopter has a top cruise speed of 135 knots. The Eurocopter EC175 can carry more than 600 US gals (2,300 liters) and also comes with an optional auxiliary fuel tank that provides over 90 US gals (almost 350 liters) for long range missions.

Eurocopter EC175 photo

The company has said that the helicopter can can fly for 30 minutes even after total loss of oil.

In terms of safety, the company has said that the the Eurocopter EC 175 exceeds EASA standards.

The helicopter has two wide pilot doors, two extra-wide, sliding passenger doors and eight large push-out windows that allow quick exit for the 16 passengers and pilots.

Other safety features include oversized front and aft emergency floatation devices and two oversize life rafts for 12 to 18 people.