EC645 T2 Light Utility Helicopter takes flight
The Airbus Helicopters EC645 T2 Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) has completed its first flight at the company’s Donauwörth location in Bavaria.
The EC645 T2 is the military version of the civil EC145 T2. The multi-role aircraft can be used for a range of operations, including transportation, reconnaissance, search and rescue, fire support, and evacuations of wounded personnel.
The German Air Force has 15 EC645 T2 aircraft on order, and representatives from the German armed forces attended the helicopter’s first flight. Airbus Helicopters is on track to commence deliveries in 2015.
Ralf Barnscheidt, head of the German military support center, said: ‘This first flight is a milestone in the EC645 T2 programme and we’re thrilled to be able to celebrate this event with our customer. We’re right on schedule to deliver the first EC645 T2 helicopters in the coming year. This is also a product of the close-knit collaboration between the Airbus Helicopters and Bundeswehr project teams.’
With a maximum takeoff weight of 3.7 tons, the EC645 T2 is equipped with the Helionix digital avionics suite, including the 4-axis autopilot, and is optimised for day and night missions in all weather conditions. It is powered by two Turbomeca Arriel 2E engines and is equipped with full authority digital engine control (FADEC).
The aircraft’s mission equipment range also includes a fast roping system for troops, cargo hooks, hoists, various weapons and electro-optical sensors. Ballistic protective equipment and an electronic countermeasures system that detects threats help protect the helicopter and crew.
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