Eurocopter EC155B1 (Airbus Helicopters H155) | G-HCNX | Landing at Ascot Heliport

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The Eurocopter EC155 (now Airbus Helicopters H155) is a long-range medium-lift passenger transport helicopter developed by Eurocopter from its Dauphin family for civil aviation use. It is a twin-engined aircraft and can carry up to 13 passengers along with 1 or 2 crew, depending on customer configuration. The helicopter is marketed for passenger transport, offshore support, VIP corporate transport and casualty transport duties.

The EC155 B features a completely redesigned cabin providing 30% more passenger space than previous Dauphin helicopter models, plus a 130% increase in baggage hold volume. Other major improvements include a five-blade Spheriflex composite main rotor combined with the familiar shrouded Fenestron tail rotor to reduce vibration levels significantly.

The EC155 B1 features uprated 697 kW (935 shp) Arriel 2C2s. The helicopter can be fitted with an anti-icing system to enable the aircraft to operate in very cold climates. The all-glass cockpit is equipped with an 'Avionique Nouvelle' integrated digital flight control system featuring Eurocopter's Vehicle and Engine Management Display (VEMD).

General characteristics

Crew: 1 or 2 (pilots)

Capacity: 13 passengers or 2,301 kg (5,073 lb) payload

Length: 14.3 m (46 ft 11 in)

Height: 4.35 m (14 ft 3 in)

Empty weight: 2,618 kg (5,772 lb)

Gross weight: 4,950 kg (10,913 lb)

Max takeoff weight: 4,920 kg (10,847 lb)

Powerplant: 2 × Turbomeca Arriel 2C2 turboshaft engines, Take-off Power, 697 kW (935 hp) each

Main rotor diameter: 12.6 m (41 ft 4 in)

Performance

Never exceed speed: 324 km/h (201 mph, 175 kn)

Range: 857 km (533 mi, 463 nmi)

Ferry range: 985 km (612 mi, 532 nmi)

Service ceiling: 4,572 m (15,000 ft)

Rate of climb: 8.9 m/s (1,750 ft/min)