| The Eurocopter EC-145 is becoming a frequent site in | | | | total of seven LCD displays. Two for each pilot that |
| the skies of the United States and the world. It's | | | | display flight, attitude, navigation, terrain, and weather |
| responsiveness and versatility makes it a favorite | | | | information. The remaining three screens display |
| among many different types of helicopter operators. | | | | engine, systems, fuel, caution, and alert data. |
| The EC-145 is an outgrowth of the Messerschmitt | | | | The helicopter's cabin is able to carry up to eleven but |
| Blokem Bloew (MBB) BK117, which Eurocopter | | | | 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 flew | | | | loading people and equipment easier. The generous |
| 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 transport, | | | | LUH (Light Utility Helicopter) program to replace |
| VIP transport, search and rescue, military. | | | | ubiquitous UH-1 and OH-58 helicopters. The decision to |
| The EC-145 is larger than the BK-117 that it was based | | | | use a commercial helicopter already in operation was |
| on. Its cabin is stretched by 18 inches and widened by | | | | a method used to reduce cost. The EC-145 is a |
| 5 inches. The EC-145 is able to carry more a larger | | | | proven airframe so teething problems in Army hands |
| payload over a greater distance than the BK-117. The | | | | should be minimal. It meets or exceeds the designated |
| helicopter is powered by two Turbomeca Arriel 1E2 | | | | range, speed, payload, and endurance requirements |
| turboshaft engines that produce 750 SHP (shaft | | | | set by the Army. |
| horsepower) each. | | | | The majority of the UH-145s will be flown by the Army |
| The EC-145 cockpit is equipped with a Thales glass | | | | National Guard and will fulfill a variety of missions |
| cockpit and a four-axis dual autopilot system. It can be | | | | including logistics, medical evacuation, homeland |
| fitted for single or dual pilot IFR operation depending on | | | | security, passenger transportation, and airborne |
| operator requirements. The glass cockpit consists of a | | | | command posts. |