Design
The EC175 will be built for civilian and parapublic applications, its primary markets being support of the oil and gas industry and search and rescue missions. Other applicable roles include parapublic operations, homeland security, air medical services, utility missions and corporate transportation.
The EC175 will be extensively designed and built using computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM). The gears and the casing of the EC175's main gearbox (MGB) have, for example, been completely developed using Catia V5, a first for Eurocopter. The use of CAD has allowed Eurocopter and HAIG to create a virtual mock-up, simplifying the task of coordinating between partners based 10,000 km apart. The first EC175 airframe structure was delivered by HAIG to Eurocopter Marignane in November 2008.
Eurocopter will have responsibility for the EC175's main gearbox, tail rotor, avionics, autopilot, hydraulic and electrical systems, doors and transparencies. Eurocopter will also be the technical lead and system integrator, and will build two of the three prototypes (the first and third). HAIG will be responsible for the airframe, tail and intermediate gearboxes, main rotor, fuel system, flight controls and landing gear.
The EC175 will be powered by two 1,325 kW (1,775 shp) class, Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC)-equipped Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6C-67E turboshafts, with 5,000 hour time between overhaul (TBO) and on-condition maintenance. The aircraft will use a five-blade Spheriflex main rotor and a three-blade tail rotor. The EC175's main gearbox will incorporate two accessory gearboxes and will be de-clutchable, avoiding the cost and weight of an auxiliary power unit (APU).
The EC175 will be offered with a 16-seat interior for oil and gas transport, with easy access through wide sliding doors, and will feature oversized jettisionable windows. The EC175 will feature a flat floor, and will omit any partition between the cockpit and the cabin. The aircraft will be offered with optional auxiliary fuel tanks under the cabin floor.
The EC175's cockpit will feature four 6X8 inch multi-function LCD displays, plus an optional central mission display. The EC175's state-of-the-art avionics are derived from those developed for the EC225, and include a 4-axis dual duplex autopilot, linked to the aircraft's Flight Management System.
The EC175 is expected to exceed EASA CS-29 crashworthiness requirements. It is to be certified for full Category A dual pilot operation. The aircraft will have Sea State 6 capability, and will be equipped with two oversized 12-18 passenger life rafts. Eurocopter states that the EC175's noise signature will be "way below" International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) requirements.
Read more about this topic: Eurocopter EC175
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