METRO AVIATION COMPLETES FIRST EC145E

March 3, 2015

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The helicopter industry will be introduced to the newest edition of the Airbus Helicopters EC145 platform, the EC145e, at HELI-EXPO 2015.  Metro Aviation recently configured what they call the “e-lite” for display at the largest helicopter exhibition in the world.

Combining the well-known features of the EC145, such as the large cabin and reliability, with the benefits of a simplified avionics systems and completed with dedicated mission equipment, the affordable and light twin helicopter is well suited for air medical, law enforcement, utility, offshore oil & gas and other missions.

“This is the perfect aircraft for a wide range of customers,” says Metro Managing Director Milton Geltz.  “Our completion center can configure it for a variety of missions, and the price point of the EC145e is going to be in line with the majority of helicopter operators’ budgets.”

“The EC145e takes a proven aircraft, with proven performance and proven capability, but it comes at a lower cost of acquisition and operation that will add incremental value for customers in a variety of market segments,” said Treg Manning, Vice President, Sales & Marketing for Airbus Helicopters Inc.

The versatile EC145e includes a Single Pilot VFR glass cockpit featuring the Garmin G500H and GTN 650 GPS and communication system.  It has a maximum takeoff weight of 7,903 lbs., the same as the EC145 C2 variant, but the useful load is increased by as much as 330 lbs.  The aircraft can seat up to 11 passengers, based on the chosen configuration.

A lot of the heavier components found in the traditional EC145 have been removed from this aircraft,” Geltz said. “Metro has engineered newer and lighter configurations.  Reduced operating cost achieved by simplifying the systems is also a benefit.  With its light weight, increased useful load and competitive price, we plan to book several completions in 2015.”

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