Kraków 2022-12-03
Eurocopter EC-155 = Airbus Helicopters H-155.
The helicopter was developed as Eurocopter EC-155, and now (2022) it is called Airbus Helicopters H-155. The helicopter was developed by Eurocopter on the basis of the Dauphin family of helicopters for civil applications. The Eurocopter EC-155 helicopter is powered by two turboprop engines and can carry 12 passengers and a crew of two. The helicopter was offered for passenger transport, VIP transport, sea support and cargo transport.
In 2015, the EC-155 was formally renamed the H-155, in line with Eurocopter’s corporate rebranding as Airbus Helicopters.
The helicopter had the factory designation AS-365 N4. The EC-155 helicopter was developed on the basis of the Eurocopter AS-365 N3 Dauphin 2 helicopter. The goal was to develop a helicopter with greater transport capabilities. Work began in September 1996 when the helicopter was officially announced by Eurocopter at the Paris Air Show in June 1997.
The first Eurocopter EC-155 helicopter made its maiden flight in Marignane on June 17, 1997. The first serial helicopter flew on March 11, 1998. On December 11, 1998, the helicopter received a French certificate. The price of the helicopter was set at USD 7 – 8 million, depending on the equipment. The helicopters enter service in March 1999. By 2003, 50 copies had been sold.
The EC-155 B1 helicopter received more powerful engines, which gives it better performance. The helicopter was on offer from January 2003. The helicopter was a competitor to the AgustaWestland AW-139 helicopter.
In 2015, Airbus Helicopters and Korean Aerospace Industries (KAI) entered into an agreement to transfer the core production operations of EC-155 helicopters to South Korea. The KAI company became the sole manufacturer of this type of helicopters. Now the entire development of the helicopter rested on the KAI company, which started the development of the helicopter into military versions. A version was created armed with a 20 mm cannon, side mounts for missiles, bombs and machine guns. The helicopter can carry 10 armed soldiers on board.
Eurocopter EC-155 design.
The EC-155 helicopter has a cargo hold 30% larger than its predecessor. The boot is also 130% larger. The helicopter received a modern 5-blade rotor with composite blades. The tail rotor was replaced by Fenestron. Supposedly to reduce the level of vibration. The helicopter can be equipped with an anti-icing system that will allow it to operate in very cold climates.
The helicopter has an all-glass cockpit that is equipped with an integrated Avionique Nouvelle digital flight control system. The system includes Eurocopter’s Helicopter and Engine Management Display (VEMD), which uses active matrix liquid crystal displays. The EC-155 also features a 4-axis digital autopilot, coupled to the engine FADEC for complete protection, and is offered with a Condition and Usage Monitoring System (HUMS).
The EC-155 helicopter is powered by two 635 kW (851 hp) Turbomeca Arriel 2C1 turboshaft engines mounted above the cargo hold. The motor control is two-channel, digital. Arriel 2C2 engines with 697 kW (935 hp) can also be used.
EC-155 T-T data:
Crew 2 pilots. Capacity up to 12 passengers or 2,301 kg (5,073 lb). Length 14.3 m (46 ft 11 in). Height 4.35 m (14 ft 3 in). Curb weight 2,618 kg (5,772 lb). Gross weight 4,950 kg (10,913 lb). Max takeoff weight 4,920 kg (10,847 lb). Main rotor diameter 12.6 m (41 ft 4 in). Main rotor area 124.7 m2 (1,342 sq ft). Top speed 300 km/h. Range 857 km (533 mi, 463 nmi). Ceiling 4,572 m (15,000 ft). Rate of climb: 8.9 m/s (1,750 ft/min).
Written by Karol Placha Hetman