Airbus Helicopters EC-135. 2009

Kraków 2018-05-15

317a Section 2009-09-10

Airbus Helicopters  H-135 / EC-135

Poland

History EC-135.

EC-135 SP-HXS. 2013 year. Photo by Karol Placha Hetman
EC-135 SP-HXS. 2013 year. Photo by Karol Placha Hetman

The decision on the EC-135 helicopter program was made in 1992, along with other programs. The first flight was made on February 15, 1994. The helicopter was put into production in 1996, after obtaining an order portfolio for around 50 units.

In January 1995, the EC-135 helicopter made its first public appearance at the Heli-Expo convention in Las Vegas, at which prospective buyers were reportedly impressed by the appearance and performance. Another feature that became apparent after entering service was the low noise level, partly due to the fenestron tail. The EC-135 has been the quietest helicopter in its class for over 15 years. The EC-135 was attractive to a wide range of operators. The European JAA certification was issued on June 16, 1996, and approval by the FAA was on July 31, 1996.

The helicopter is of interest to business and VIP operators. By 2016, over 1,350 H-135 helicopters had been built. Eurocopter EC-135 / Airbus Helicopters H-135 is used in 23 countries, including Poland.

Written by Karol Placha Hetman


Kraków 2018-05-15

317a Section 2009-09-10

Airbus Helicopters  H-135 / EC-135

Poland

Construction H-135 / EC-135.

The H-135 / EC-135 is a light twin-engine helicopter, designed to transport up to 8 people. Built in a classic arrangement with the use of a wide range of composites. Thanks to modern avionics, the helicopter is adapted to flights both during the day and at night, with poor visibility and its complete absence, based solely on instrument indications (IFR).

Data T-T H-135:

Overall length 12.19 m (39.99 ft)

Fuselage length 10.21 m (33.50 ft)

Fuselage width 1.56 m (5.12 ft)

Rotor diameter 10.20 m (33.46 ft)

Main rotor area 81.7 m2 (879 sq ft)

Height 3.51 - 3.62 m (11.52 - 11.88 ft)

Curb weight 1,455 - 1,460 kg

Maximum weight 2,900 - 2,910 kg

Fuel tank 710 liters

Top speed 259 km / h

Limit speed breaking 287 km / h (178 mph; 155 kn)

Cruise speed 254 km / h, 254 km / h (158 mph; 137 kn)

Economic speed 230 km / h

Rate of climb 7.62 m / s (1,500 ft / min)

Hovering ceiling 3,045 m (9,990.16 ft)

Dynamic ceiling 6,096 m (20,000 ft)

Operating range 635 km (395 mi; 343 nmi)

Ferrying range 835 km (461.66 nmi)

Maximum flight time 4.5 hours

2 turbine engines × Turbomeca Arrius 2B2 with 2 x 472 kW (2 x 633 hp)

or Pratt & Whitney Canada PW206B with 2 x 463 kW (2 x 621 hp).

Written by Karol Placha Hetman



Kraków 2018-05-15

317a Section 2009-09-10

Airbus Helicopters H-135 / EC-135

Poland

Tally H-135 / EC-135.

First, 23 EC-135 machines were purchased for the Polish Medical Air Rescue, and a little later another 4.

Written by Karol Placha Hetman