Eurocopter EC-120B Colibri
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Eurocopter EC-120B Colibri. Photo. Characteristics.

Eurocopter EC-120B Colibri

 

The EC120 Colibri helicopter was created to replace the successful AS350 Squirrel helicopters. When designing the new helicopter, modern technologies were used, composite materials are widely used in the design, the propeller-fenestron technology in the tail has been developed, thanks to which the EC120 has become the quietest helicopter in its class.

 

Eurocopter EC-120B Colibri photo

Eurocopter EC-120B Colibri photo

The design of the helicopter, which was named EC120 Colibri, began in 1990, when the French company Aerospatiale with CATIC (China National Import and Export Corporation of Aviation Technologies) and Singapore Technologies Aerospace formed a joint venture for the serial production and development of a promising 4-5-seat light helicopter.

The helicopter, which is able to meet the military and civilian customers, was named P120L. Design work started in February 1990, the first flight of the prototype planned for 1993, but the beginning of deliveries of machines in the series - on 1996.
Initially, the design of the single-engine P120L helicopter assumed the use of a four-bladed propellant-type propeller of the type "Aerospatiale", a fennestar screw in the tail of reduced noise and a simple ski chassis. The design considered the use of a large number of composite materials, of which the tail and main rotor blades were made, as well as most of the fuselage of the helicopter. It is expected that P120L will replace helicopters AerospatialeLama and Gazelle and press light helicopters such as Bell Jet Ranger on the world market. At the same time, the emphasis was on a small noise level and a long flight range.

 

Eurocopter EC-120B Colibri photo salon

Eurocopter EC-120B Colibri photo salon

In this project, initially leading role was in "Aerospatiale", which carried out the work 54 percent, whereas the share of CATIC was 30 percent, a "Singapore Technologies Aerospace" -16 percent. In October 1992 partners were able to sign a contract for a full-scale design of the helicopter.

the P-120L helicopter was planned to be built in two versions: "economic" basic and with improved properties for use in high-altitude and heat conditions. During the design process, the initial design went through significant changes, becoming more standard. The designers decided to reduce the largest take-off mass of the helicopter by 500 kg, installed a three-blade rotor and made changes to the power plant.
The design work was completed mainly by 1993. Then Aerospatiale merged with the German company MBB, forming the Eurocopter concern, and the P120L helicopter changed its designation to EC120, while undergoing further changes. Eurocopter in the new version accounts for 61 percent of the smart workload, HAIC (Hafei Aviation Industry Company), owned by CATIC, 24 percent of the total work, and Singapore Technologies Aerospace has 15 percent. The European concern was responsible for the final assembly, certification and flight tests.

 

Eurocopter EC-120B Colibri photo booths

Eurocopter EC-120B Colibri photo booths

The plant of the company "Eurocopter" in the French city of Marignane built two prototypes. The first (F-WWPA) began to collect in the first half 1995, as he soared 09.06. 1995 years. Second (F-WWPD) prototype made its first flight 17.07.1996. Before the start of serial production of the helicopters passed tests for certification, including testing with the motor TurbomecaArrius2F, power 504l.s. and testing of the cold climate.

 

Features helicopter EC120 B Colibri:

 

  • Range: 735km 

  • Cruising speed: 233km / hour 

  • The highest altitude: 6096m 

  • The highest take-off weight: 1715kg 

  • Cabin height: 1.16m 

  • interior length: 2.3m 

  • The greatest number of passengers: 4 

  • Interior width: 1.35 

  • Height: 3.08m  

  • Length: 9.60m 

 

Eurocopter EC-120B Colibri. Gallery. 

Eurocopter EC-120B Colibri on avibazeEurocopter EC-120B Colibri prepares for takeoffEurocopter EC-120B Colibri in flight

Eurocopter EC-120B Colibri helicopter collisionEurocopter EC-120B Colibri helicopter cabinEurocopter EC-120B Colibri airbase

Eurocopter EC-120B Colibri in the mountainsEurocopter EC-120B Colibri meeting of helicopters in the skyEurocopter EC-120B Colibri tail and cabin

Eurocopter EC-120B Colibri prepares for takeoffEurocopter EC-120B Colibri sits on the runwayEurocopter EC-120B Colibri before takeoff

 

 

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