Heavy Helicopters Headline Airbus Order Book
Airbus Helicopters has seen steady ordering in their heavy-class helicopters over the last few years. The end of year results for 2014 show that heavy-types are continuing to dominate the order book. The order size was “more or less stable in comparison to the previous two years,” according to chief executive president Guillaume Faury. Over the last three years (2012 to 2014), their helicopter deliveries totaled 475, 497, and 471. This is, however, a slight decline from their peak total of the last eight years, when they delivered 588 in 2008. Of the 471 total helicopters delivered last year, 101 of those were heavy-class. These were split between 53 NH Industries (NHI) NH90s and 48 Super Pumas. This is a big development in the helicopter industry, but one that Faury believes will last for the next couple years. Faury is quoted as saying “It is a significant change in mix. There are lots of heavy helicopters required at the moment. I see this as a trend for a few years to come.” The NH90 has two pilots, can hold up to 20 troops or 12 medevac stretchers, can fit 2 NATO pallets, can carry over 4 tons externally, and uses 2 Rolls-Royce Turbomeca RTM332-01/9 turboshaft engines.
Some other quick facts include:
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Length: 16.13 m (52 ft 11 in)
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Height: 5.23 m (17 ft 2 in)
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Maximum speed: 300 km/h (162 knots, 186 mph)
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Range: 800 km, 497 mi (TTH); 1,000 km, 621 mi (NFH)
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Service ceiling: 6,000 m (20,000 ft)
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Rate of climb: 8 m/s (1,574 ft/m)
The Super Puma also has two pilots with a capacity of 19 people, while using 2 Turbomeca Makila 1A1 turboshafts. Its other features are:
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Length: 16.29 m (53.44 ft)
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Rotor diameter: 15.6 m (51.18 ft)
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Height: 4.80 m (15.09 ft)
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Never exceed speed: 278 km/h @ 8,600 kg gross (150 kt)
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Maximum speed: 262 km/h @ 8,600 kg gross (141 kt)
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Cruise speed: 252 km/h @ 8,600 kg gross (136 kt)
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Range: 841 km @ 8,600 kg gross (454 nm)
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Service ceiling: 6,100 m (20,000 ft)
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Rate of climb: 8.2 m/s @ 70 kt & 8,600 kg gross (1,620 ft/m @ 70 kt)
These huge helicopters are playing a larger role than ever, and Airbus is stepping up big time by delivering them.
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joe
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Posted on January 28, 2015
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