Eurocopter EC120 Colibri

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EC120 Colibri
HC120
Eurocopter EC-120B Colibri, Eurocopter AN0435464.jpg
EC120B
Role Light utility helicopter
Manufacturer Eurocopter/Airbus Helicopters
Harbin Aircraft Industry Group
First flight 9 June 1995
Introduction 1998
Produced 1995-present
Number built over 550
Unit cost
US$795,000 (June 1999)[1]
~US$2M, €1.5M (August 2013)[2]

The Eurocopter (now Airbus Helicopters) EC120 Colibri (English: hummingbird) is a 5-seat, single-engine, single main rotor, light helicopter. Jointly designed and developed by Eurocopter, China National Aero-Technology Import & Export Corporation (CATIC), Harbin Aviation Industries (Group) Ltd (HAIG) and Singapore Technologies Aerospace Ltd (STAero) at Eurocopter France's Marignane facility, the EC120 B is assembled by Eurocopter in France and Australia.[3]

In China, the aircraft is produced by Harbin Aircraft Manufacturing Corporation (HAMC) as the HC120.[4] In 2004, HAMC began local manufacturing of the HC120 at their assembly line in Harbin, in northern China. In the Chinese market, both the People's Liberation Army and multiple local police forces have purchased HC120 helicopters.[5]

Development

The EC120 Colibri has its origins in the P120, a proposal by French helicopter manufacturer Aérospatiale that was intended to replace both their Aérospatiale Gazelle and Aérospatiale SA 315B Lama single engine helicopters. During the 1980s, Aérospatiale sought international partners with which to co-produce the P120, these included aerospace companies in China, Singapore, and Australia.[6][7] In the aftermath of the Chinese Government's crackdown on the Tiananmen Square protests of 1989, the exclusion of Chinese involvement in the project was speculated.[8]

On 20 October 1992, a contract for the joint development contract of the new helicopter was signed by the three principle partners of the project, the newly formed Eurocopter, China National Aero-Technology Import & Export Corporation (CATIC) and Singapore Aerospace Ltd (STAero).[9] Under the joint development agreement, Eurocopter received a 61% controlling interest and technical leader in the programme, CATIC received a 24% work share and STAero received a 15% work share; CATIC designed and produced the cabin structure and fuel system, STAero produced the tail boom, access doors, and composite materials, while Eurocopter produced the dynamic assemblies, installed the avionics, electrical and hydraulic systems, and conducted the final assembly activity.[10] Development of the rotorcraft allowed Eurocopter to extend its range to include 1.5 metric-ton rotorcraft.[9]

An EC130 hovering, 2010

On 9 June 1995, the first prototype EC120 Colibri conducted its maiden flight.[9] By February 1996, the prototype had accumulated 60 flight hours, a second prototype joined the test program later that year.[11] In February 1997, the EC120 Colibri was formally launched at the Helicopter Association International (HAI) show in Anaheim, California;[12] by June 1997, more than 50 orders had been received for the type.[13] By October 1998, more than 100 orders had been received for the type, leading Eurocopter to increase the production rate from four helicopters per month to six.[1] In 2002, Eurocopter was in the process of establishing a second assembly line for the EC120 at Australian Aerospace's facility in Brisbane, Australia.[14]

In September 2003, Eurocopter and China Aviation Industry Corporation II (AVIC II) expanded their partnership agreement to include a co-production arrangement with AVIC II-subsidiary Harbin Aircraft Industry Group (HAIG).[15] On 11 June 2004, a final production agreement was signed; under the agreement, CATIA and HAIG received exclusive market rights in China, and Eurocopter agreed to stop selling French-built EC120s in mainland China.[16] In June 2014, the People's Liberation Army of China became the launch customer for the Harbin-produced HC120, reportedly placing an order for 8 of the type with options for 50 more.[16]

Design

A pair of Spanish EC120 during a flight display over Barcelona, 2009

The EC120 B Colibri is a single-engine multimission helicopter, designed for safe, simple, and cost-effective operations. It incorporates several of Eurocopter's trademarked technologies, those of prominence are the Speriflex main rotor head and the 8-bladed fenestron anti-torque tail rotor;[17] these have been partially credited with contributing to the rotorcraft's noise signature, which is 6.7 decibels below International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) limits.[18] Airbus Helicopters has claimed that the EC120 B possesses the lowest operating cost in its class. As of 2014, the EC120 has the distinction of being the only single-engine rotorcraft to be certified to JAR/FAR 27 standards; measures incorporated to meet these standards include an energy-attenuating main structure, energy-absorbent seats for all on board, and a crash-resistant fuel system.[18][19]

The EC120 Colibri features a wide, ergonomic cabin with high levels of external visibility, which can accomidate a single pilot along with four passengers in typical passenger configuration.[18] The design of the cabin is suitable for a wide variety of civilian and parapublic missions, such as utility transport, offshore transport, training, law enforcement, casualty evacuation and corporate transport. In the casualty evacuation role, the rotorcraft can carry one pilot and one stretcher patient as well as one or two medical attendants. In a cargo-carrying capacity, the EC120 can carry one pilot plus 2.94 m3 (104 cu ft) of total useful load volume spread between the cabin and the 0.8 m3 (28 cu ft) hold, which is externally accessible from the right-hand side and to the rear, as well as from the cabin in some configurations. To ease cargo operations, the cabin floor is flat and unobstructed; alternatively, a cargo sling can be installed to carry cargo of up to Lua error in Module:Convert at line 1851: attempt to index local 'en_value' (a nil value)..[18]

Privately-operated Russian EC120

According to Airbus Helicopters, the EC120 B integrates a high level of advanced technology to make the rotorcraft easier and safer to fly, as well as to reduce costs. A particular emphasis was placed on allowing end-customers to perform as much of the maintenance tasks themselves.[18] The primary instrument panel is the twin-screen vehicle and engine multifunction display (VEMD) which provides control and monitoring of various aspects of the rotorcraft, such as the fenestron tail rotor and key engine parameters; the VEMD decreases overall pilot workload for greater safety.[18] In a baseline configuration, flight controls are installed only on the right-hand side, dual controls or left-hand only flight controls can be optionally installed.[19] Third parties have offered their own avionics suites for the EC120, adding functionality such as an autopilot.[20][21]

In addition to various civil roles, the EC120 has also been used by several military operators to conduct training, observation and light utility missions. Airbus Helicopter has promoted the type in a training capacity due to features such as positive control response, performance computation systems, modern instrumentation for ease of use, overall compact size, and a high level of cabin visibility.[18] A wide range of optional equipment can be installed upon the EC120 B, this includes a wire strike protection system, air conditioning, sand filter, skis, windshield wipers, electrical external mirrors, a cargo sling, emergency flotation gear, forward looking infrared (FLIR) cameras, and external spotlights.[18] For corporate customers, the EC120 can be equipped with a Stylence interior, offering a luxurious interior with leather upholstery, in-flight office and telecommunications facilities, along with reduced noise and vibration levels via additional insulation.[22]

Operational history

External video
video icon In-cockpit view of EC120 B startup sequence
video icon Spanish EC120 display at NATO Days 2013 Ostrava

The first EC120 B was delivered in 1998. By 2008, Eurocopter had already delivered more than 550 Colibris to various customers.

In 2004, the United States Department of Homeland Security U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) selected the EC120 B to meet its Light Sign Cutter requirement, a program potentially involving 55 aircraft with a total value of US$75 million in then-year dollars.[23] In 2006, the CBP ordered 15 EC120 B helicopters, with a further five aircraft since ordered.[24]

Five EC120s in formation flight

The Spanish Air Force (SPAF) has procured a number of EC120s, which it refers to be the name Patrulla. In 2003, the SPAF formed an aerobatic display team, the Patrulla ASPA, which use the type; a typical display involves five EC120s performing complex manoeuvers in addition to formation flight.[25][26]

In January 2008, the French Defense Ministry selected the EC120 as the French Army's new lead-in rotary-wing trainer to replace the Aérospatiale Gazelle. 36 EC120 Bs equipped with Sagem avionics shall be operated through a 22-year public-private partnership (PPP) with operator Hélidax.[27] On 12 October 2010, the final EC120 was delivered to Hélidax.[28]

Since 2011, a number of EC120s have been operated by the traffic police of Kurdistan, Iraq.[29] As of 2014, the crews are trained to undertake surveillance and rescue missions.[30]

In 2015, an EC120 B was used as a flying demonstrator for the European Clean Sky environmental research program. Built to trial aviation diesel technologies, the EC120 B demonstrator was equipped with a 4.6 liter turbocharged V8 Jet A piston engine (HIPE AE440 high-compression) and a multiplier gearbox in the place of the standard Arrius turboshaft powerplant; the new engine should noticeably reduce several emissions and direct operating costs while increasing range. The engine weighs about 200 kg without gearbox and cooling. Tests indicate about 30-50% less consumption.[31][32][33]

Variants

  • EC120 B Colibri: Standard designation (original designation during development was "P-120")
  • HC120: Chinese-built variant of the EC120

Operators

Civil operators

An EC120B of the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department
An EC120 hover taxis at Barretos Airport
A Spanish Air Force Colibri demonstrates its agility with a barrel roll

The EC120 is used by both private individuals and companies, helicopter charter and training organizations as well as law enforcement and government use.

 Australia
 Brazil
 Canada
 Germany
 Lithuania
 Spain
 United States

Military operators

 China
 France
 Indonesia
 Singapore
 Spain
 Malaysia

Specifications (EC120 B)

Cockpit of an EC120 B Colibri
View of the EC120 B's tailboom and fenestron anti-torque tail fan

Data from Eurocopter EC120 B 2008 Tech Data book

General characteristics

Performance

Avionics
Vehicle and Engine Multifunction Display (VEMD) with First Limit Indicator (FLI) fitted as standard.[19]

See also

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Moxon, Julian. "'Growing demand' for Colibri prompts production increase." Flight International, 21 October 1998.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Mark Huber and Thierry Dubois. "Bell Reveals more on ‘short light single’". AIN online, 3 August 2013. Accessed: 11 December 2013.
  3. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  4. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  5. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  6. ↑ "Australia pulls out of Aerospatiale P120." Flight International, 5 December 1989.
  7. ↑ "Aerospatiale to build light helicopters with China and Singapore. (P-120 helicopter)." Defense Daily, 3 July 1991.
  8. ↑ "Aerospatiale venture faces China crisis." Flight International, 8 July 1989.
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 "History: From Eurocopter to Airbus Helicopters." Airbus Helicopters, Retrieved: 29 November 2015.
  10. ↑ Grey, Peter. "Light flier." Flight International, 13 May 1998.
  11. ↑ "EC120 testing reaches 60h." Flight International, 14 February 1996.
  12. ↑ "Helicopters on the rise." Flight International, 14 May 1997.
  13. ↑ "Eurocopter wins Dauphin orders." Flight International, 25 June 1997.
  14. ↑ "Australian Prime Minister Inspects Eurocopter Helicopters during his State Visit to Germany." Airbus Helicopters, 04 July 2002.
  15. ↑ Sobie, Brendan. "Eurocopter expands Chinese deal with EC120." Flight International, 23 September 2003.
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 Sobie, Brendan. "Chinese army ready to launch HC120 after production deal." Flight International, 22 June 2014.
  17. ↑ "P.120 Programme take shape." Flight International, 6 March 1990.
  18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 18.2 18.3 18.4 18.5 18.6 18.7 "EC120 B: Everything you need in One Handy Little Package." Airbus Helicopters, 2014.
  19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 19.2 "EC120 B: Technical Data 2015." Airbus Helicopters, 2015.
  20. ↑ "Regourd offers advanced suite in entry-level EC120 Colibri." Flight International, 31 January 2006.
  21. ↑ Learmount, David. "Light helicopters set for autopilots." Flight International, 17 October 2006.
  22. ↑ Peaford, Alan. "EBACE: Eurocopter keen to demonstrate value of helicopter role." Flight International, 15 May 2012.
  23. ↑ "Co-developed in China: US Homeland Security Orders EC120 Helis." Defense Industry Daily, 1 March 2006.
  24. ↑ American Eurocopter
  25. ↑ "Inicios de la Patrulla ASPA." patrullaaspa.defensa.gob.es, Retrieved: 29 November 2015.
  26. ↑ López, Luis Javier. "La patrulla ASPA del Ejército del Aire celebra sus diez años en Granada." sevilla.abc.es, 18 May 2014.
  27. ↑ "Premier partenariat public prive pour la defense." French Ministry of Defense.
  28. ↑ Parsons, Gary. "News: Last EC120 for French training delivered." Aircraft Magazine, 12 October 2010.
  29. ↑ "Kurdistan's traffic police to have helicopters." AKNews, 17 December 2011.
  30. ↑ Bender, Jeremy. "As The Kurds Mobilize In Iraq, Here’s A Look At What They Have In Their Arsenal." Business Insider, 30 June 2014.
  31. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  32. ↑ Gierczynski, Alexandre. "Light Helicopter Demonstrator with HCE" page 5. Airbus, 20 October 2015.
  33. ↑ Warwick, Graham. "Clean Sky Prepares For Helo Diesel Flight Tests." Clean Sky Prepares For Helo Diesel Flight Tests, 20 March 2015.
  34. ↑ http://www.lifesavingvictoria.com.au/www/html/1404-westpac-lifesaver-rescue-helicopters.asp
  35. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  36. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  37. ↑ 37.0 37.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  38. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  39. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  40. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  41. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  42. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  43. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  44. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  45. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  46. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  47. ↑ 47.0 47.1 47.2 47.3 47.4 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  48. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.

External links

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