| The Eurocopter EC-145 is becoming a frequent site in | | | | Two for each pilot that display flight, attitude, |
| the skies of the United States and the world. It's | | | | navigation, terrain, and weather information. The |
| responsiveness and versatility makes it a favorite | | | | remaining three screens display engine, systems, fuel, |
| among many different types of helicopter operators. | | | | caution, and alert data. |
| The EC-145 is an outgrowth of the Messerschmitt | | | | The helicopter's cabin is able to carry up to eleven |
| Blokem Bloew (MBB) BK117, which Eurocopter | | | | but most configurations call for no more than nine |
| acquired when Mercedes Benz purchased MBB. | | | | passengers. The helicopter features wide clamshell |
| The EC-145 is a collaborative design between | | | | opening rear doors and wide side doors to make |
| Eurocopter and Kawasaki Heavy Industries. It first | | | | loading people and equipment easier. The generous |
| flew in June 1999 and received FAA certification in | | | | canopy makes visibility very good. |
| February 2002. It's a light twin-engine utility helicopter | | | | A winch and external cargo hook is an option. |
| that can carry up to nine passengers. The helicopters | | | | Recently the U.S. Army selected the EC-145 for its |
| roles include EMS, Law enforcement, people | | | | LUH (Light Utility Helicopter) program to replace |
| transport, VIP transport, search and rescue, military. | | | | ubiquitous UH-1 and OH-58 helicopters. The decision |
| The EC-145 is larger than the BK-117 that it was | | | | to use a commercial helicopter already in operation |
| based on. Its cabin is stretched by 18 inches and | | | | was a method used to reduce cost. The EC-145 is a |
| widened by 5 inches. The EC-145 is able to carry | | | | proven airframe so teething problems in Army hands |
| more a larger payload over a greater distance than | | | | should be minimal. It meets or exceeds the |
| the BK-117. The helicopter is powered by two | | | | designated range, speed, payload, and endurance |
| Turbomeca Arriel 1E2 turboshaft engines that | | | | requirements set by the Army. |
| produce 750 SHP (shaft horsepower) each. | | | | The majority of the UH-145s will be flown by the |
| The EC-145 cockpit is equipped with a Thales glass | | | | Army National Guard and will fulfill a variety of |
| cockpit and a four-axis dual autopilot system. It can | | | | missions including logistics, medical evacuation, |
| be fitted for single or dual pilot IFR operation | | | | homeland security, passenger transportation, and |
| depending on operator requirements. The glass | | | | airborne command posts. |
| cockpit consists of a total of seven LCD displays. | | | | |