Gilbert Sedbon
Eurocopter and its Chinese and Singaporean partners have high hopes for their EC120B Colibri new-generation high-technology helicopter, on display at Paris in the static park and in the daily flight demonstrations.
With a worldwide fleet of about 5,000 civil and public-service helicopters in the 1.6-tonne five-seat category due for renewal, Eurocopter is angling for substantial sales.
Dominating the market are the American Bell 206 Jet Ranger and McDonnell Douglas-built Hughes 500 family. There are also big fleets of French-built Alouette II and III and Gazelle and Super Frelons dating back almost 30 years which are due for replacement.
Turbine
Lesser competitors in the fray are US manufacturer Enstrom's piston and turbine machines and Schweitzer's S330, initially in piston and now in turbine form.
The first EC120B Colibri will be delivered to Temsco, the Alaska-based operator which took eight machines out of 50 firm orders by 30 customers from 10 countries.
European Joint Aviation Authority certification is expected soon - it may be announced at Paris - followed shortly afterwards by the US Federal Aviation Authority certification.
Thirty-nine machines are programmed to come off the assembly line at Eurocopter's facility in Marignane, southern France, by the end of 1998. Production is expected to build up gradually to 160 machines per year over the next 10 years to meet world market needs.
At $800,000 apiece, "barely 5% higher" than current prices for older generation helicopters, the Colibri is a winner, says Eurocopter vice-president marketing Philippe Harache.
The price and the technology are right as this new-breed helicopter hits the mark at the right time, he says.
France's Turbomeca provides the powerplant, the Arrius 2F turboshaft engine, which has a, maximum takeoff power 376kW (504shp) and a capacity for one pilot plus four passengers. The Colibri has a takeoff weight of 1,680kg (3,700lb) and. payload of 800kg (1,770lb)
Pratt & Whitney Canada is also expected to launch a version with a PW206 engine.
The United States accounts for 40% of the market, followed by Europe (25%) and Asia-Pacific (25%). The Chinese and Singaporeans have contributed 24% and 15% respectively to the $200 million development programme.
Source: Flight Daily News
