Helicopters

Eurocopter has taken orders for 100 helicopters on the first day of the Heli-Expo show in Houston, Texas. In addition, the European manufacturer has taken 88 deposits on its new EC175 medium twin, unveiled at the show.

Lutz Betling, Eurocopter chief executive, says the 100 orders comprise 79 light singles, including EC120s; 12 EC135 and EC145 light twins; eight Dauphin family intermediate twins; and one EC255 medium-heavy twin.

Eurocopter is the leading helicopter manufacturer, ending 2007 with orders for 802 civil and military aircraft, and increase of almost 200 over 2006. The company delivered 488 helicopters, an increase of more than 100.