EC145 Multi-Mission Helicopter

The EC145 is a medium-sized twin-engine helicopter derived from the BK 117 helicopter.

The EC145 can be deployed in EMS, law enforcement, transport and utility missions.

An EC145 helicopter in service with the French Sécurité Civile. Image courtesy of Jdrewes.

The spacious cabin of EC145 can be configured according to the mission requirements. Image courtesy of Massimiliano Mariani.

The EC145 is a medium-sized twin-engine helicopter produced by Eurocopter. The helicopter was jointly developed by Eurocopter and Kawasaki Heavy Industries, based on their BK 117 helicopter.

The maiden flight of EC145 occurred in June 1999. The helicopter was selected by the US Army for its light utility helicopter (LUH) programme in 2006. It is also in the US Army service under the name UH-72A Lakota.

Eurocopter unveiled EC145T2, an upgraded version of the EC145, at the Heli Expo 2011. The EC145T2 incorporates various improvements such as new Arriel 2E turbo-shaft engines and digital FADEC system. The optionally piloted vehicle (OPV) variant of the EC145 is also under development.

EC145 orders and deliveries

Eurocopter received the first order from the French Sécurité Civile for 32 EC145 helicopters in December 1997. The first helicopter was delivered to the Sécurité Civile in April 2002.

In October 2010, the Kazakhstan Ministry of Defence signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Eurocopter for the acquisition of 45 EC145 helicopters across a period of six years. Eurocopter delivered the first of six EC145s ordered by the Kazakhstan Ministry of Defence and Emergencies in November 2011.

Namibia Ministry of Safety and Security placed an order with Eurocopter to acquire EC145 for the Namibia Police Force’s (NAMPOL) Air Wing in August 2011.

Design features of the EC145

The EC145 helicopter integrates energy-absorbing airframe and seats, as well as a crash-tolerant fuel system. The fuselage is fitted with skid type energy-absorbing landing gear. The helicopter is integrated with redundant flight controls and other major systems.

The 10.2m x 3.1m fuselage offers a spacious cabin and enough space for luggage/cargo. The helicopter has a maximum takeoff weight of 3,585kg. It can carry a useful load of 1,793kg and maximum cargo-swing load of 1,500kg.

EC145 cockpit and avionics

The cockpit of the EC145 accommodates two crew members in side-by-side layout. It integrates an advanced MEGHAS avionics suite compatible with night-vision goggles (NVGs). The advanced glass cockpit integrates SMD4 smart multifunction display, optional SMD68 smart multifunction display, vehicle and engine multifunction display (VEMD), caution and advisory display (CAD), flight control display module (FCDM), instrument control panel (ICP), reconfiguration control unit (RCU) and ADU3000 air data unit.

The cockpit is designed to reduce the workload of the pilot, while providing an unrivalled field of view in all directions. The EC145 T2 integrates an improved avionics suite including a standard 4-axis dual digital autopilot and fully integrated large-screen flight and navigation displays (FNDs).

Cabin and mission equipment of the Eurocopter multi-mission helicopter

The EC145 is the only helicopter in its range with a spacious cabin and superior window visibility. The unobstructed cabin can accommodate two stretchers, three seated persons and associated medical equipment. The rear clamshell doors ensure easy loading of the stretchers, while the wider side doors allow the entry and exit of the occupants and the crew.

Eurocopter offers a range of mission equipment for EC145 to ensure maximum flexibility in operations. All the optional equipment and systems are pre-installed in the helicopter. The law enforcement versions are fitted with a gyro-stabilised turret housing day and low-light video camera and infrared thermal imaging system. A microwave downlink is provided for the recording and transmission of the imagery.

The helicopter is also fitted with an operator console, high candlepower searchlights, loudspeakers, external hoist, fast-rope rappelling system and an emergency medical kit.

EC145 engines

The EC145 is powered by two Turbomeca Arriel 1E2 engines driving a hingeless rotor system. The engines are designed to deliver high performance and vital power reserves even in one engine inoperative (OEI) conditions.

The variable rotor speed and torque matching system (VARTOMS) improve the flying comfort, while making the EC145 quietest in its class. The rugged Arriel engines allow the operations in temperatures ranging from -450 to +500.

Performance of the EC145 helicopter

The EC145 has a maximum cruise speed of 246km/h. It can climb at a rate of 1,600ft/min to reach a maximum operating altitude of 18,000ft. It can reach a maximum range of 680km with standard fuel tanks.

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