FLIGHT TESTING OF THE EUROCOPTER EC145

The EC145 is Eurocopter’s new medium weight twin-engine helicopter. As a successor to the well accepted BK117, it combines state-of-the-art technology with proven hardware to create a helicopter that meets the rising market demands of the 21st century. The main features of the EC145 are its highly integrated low workload cockpit, spacious cabin with large access doors, high performance and low noise main rotor blades, aerodynamically optimized fuselage, and its large selection of optional equipment. This paper presents an overview of the flight test activities during the development and certification of the EC145. With three prototypes, Eurocopter completed the development and certification of the basic helicopter, the duplex autopilot, and numerous optional equipment. Basic certification was obtained within 18 months from the first flight test. Less than 18 months later certification was obtained for single pilot IFR, Category A operations, hot and cold weather operations, and for a large selection of optional equipment.