The Eurocopter EC135 is a seven place light twin turbine utility helicopter, widely used amongst police and ambulance services and for executive transport. The designation for dedicated military versions is EC-635.
Developing nation: Germany.
Manufacturer/designer: Eurocopter
Production Lines: Donnauworth, Germany
Type aircraft: Light twin turbine utility helicopter.
First flight: 15 February 1994.
Certification: European JAA 16 June 1996, with FAA approval following on 31 July.
State: in service.
The EC-135 is intended as a replacement for Eurocopter’s successful BO-105 light twin, and is developed from the BO-108 technology demonstrator. A technology demonstrator (‘V1’) flew for the first time on 17 October 1988, powered by two Allison 250-C20R/1 engines. The combination of the BO-108 and the Fenestron led to the definitive EC135.
Variants
- EC135 P1 – Powered by two 463 kW (621 shp) Pratt & Whitney Canada PW206B. Later versions have the Center Panel Display System (CPDS). Initial maximum take-off weight (M.T.O.W.) of 2,631 kg (5,800 lbs), later raised to 2,721 kg (6,000 lbs) and then 2,835 kg (6,250 lbs).
- EC135 T1 – Powered by two 435 kW (583 shp) Turbomeca Arrius 2B1/2B1A/2B1A1. Later versions have the CPDS. Initial M.T.O.W. of 2,631 kg (5,800 lbs), later raised to 2,721 kg (6,000 lbs) and then 2,835 kg (6,250 lbs).
- EC135 P2 – Powered by two 463 kW (621 shp) Pratt & Whitney Canada PW206B2. Increased thermodynamic and mechanic OEI ratings (128% OEI torque). Replaced EC135 P1 in production in August 2001.EC135 T2Powered by two 452 kW (606 shp) Turbomeca Arrius 2B2. Increased thermodynamic and mechanic OEI ratings (128% OEI torque). Replaced EC135 T1 in production in August 2002.
- EC135 P2+ – Latest production version with 498 kW (667 shp) PW206B2 (new power ratings based on a FADEC software upgrade), plus a 2,910 kg (6,415 lbs) M.T.O.W. upgrade, extended component time between overhaul (TBOs), and a change in the main transmission lubricating oil. Built in Germany and Spain
- EC135 T2+ – Latest production version with 473 kW (634 shp) Arrius 2B2 engines (new power ratings based on a FADEC software upgrade), plus a 2,910 kg (6,415 lbs) M.T.O.W. upgrade, extended component TBOs, and a change in the main transmission lubricating oil. Built in Germany and Spain.EC135 P2iMarketing designation of aircraft upgraded to (rather than built to) EC135 P2+ standard.EC135 T2iMarketing designation of aircraft upgraded to (rather than built to) EC135 T2+ standard.
- EC 635 – Military variant operated by Jordan and Swiss Air Fore
General characteristics
- Crew: 1 pilot
- Capacity: up to seven passengers or two crew and two patients (Air Ambulance variant)
- Length: 12.16 m (39 ft 11 in)
- Rotor diameter: 10.20 m (33 ft 6 in)
- Height: 3.51 m (11 ft 6 in)
- Disc area: 81.7 m2 (880 ft2)
- Empty weight: 1,455 kg (3,208 lb)
- Useful load: 1,455 kg (3,208 lb)
- Max. takeoff weight: 2,910 kg (6,415 lb)
- Powerplant: 2 × Turbomeca Arrius 2B2 or Pratt & Whitney Canada PW206B turboshafts, 473 / 498 kW (634 / 667 shp) each
Performance
- Never exceed speed: 287 km/h (155 knots, 178 mph)
- Cruise speed: 254 km/h (137 knots, 158 mph)
- Range: 635 km (342 nm, 393 mi)
- Service ceiling: 6,096 m (20,000 ft)
- Rate of climb: 7.62 m/s (1,500 ft/min)
All pictures courtesy of Zijde Aviation Photo and Publishing, Rob Vogelaar and Marcel van Leeuwen
