ADAC Air Rescue to receive EC145 T2 and EC135 helicopters from Eurocopter

ADAC Air Rescue has awarded a contract to Eurocopter to supply EC145 T2 and EC135 P2e helicopters.

Under the framework acquisition agreement, Eurocopter will deliver 14 EC145 T2 and three EC135 P2e helicopters between 2013 and 2017 to ADAC Air Rescue.

Eurocopter executive vice president-programmes Wolfgang Schoder said that the EC145 T2, which was developed in consultation with air rescue organisations, is expected to meet operators’ safety and performance requirements.

ADAC managing director Stefan Wessling said: "ADAC’s commitments for new helicopters and their associated SAR equipment represent an investment of over 130 million euros in the future of air rescue operations in Germany."

"Eurocopter is providing an aircraft with unbeatable performance characteristics to replace our BK117 helicopters over the long term," Wessling added.

Powered by two Turbomeca Arriel 2E dual-channel engines with full authority digital engine controls (FADEC), the EC145 T2 features Eurocopter-developed Fenestron shrouded tail rotor. As per the latest airworthiness standards, the EC145 T2 helicopters ensure improved performance in the case of probable engine failure.

The new helicopter version features a four-axis autopilot and a new avionics suite to provide additional safety on ground and in air.

Eurocopter’s EC135 P2e is the enhanced version of the EC135 twin-engine helicopter with increased maximum takeoff weight.

The new EC135 P2e and EC145 T2 helicopters for the ADAC Air Rescue will be integrated with medical equipment and communication tools to support rescue missions.

ADAC Air Rescue currently operates 49 helicopters including MBB/Kawasaki BK117 medium utility-transport aircraft as well as Eurocopter EC135 and EC145 helicopters for emergency services.

More than 1,000 EC135 helicopters are currently operational worldwide.