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Airbus Helicopters H155 (EC155)

1999 MODERN AIRCRAFT

History of Airbus Helicopters H155 (EC155)

Airbus Helicopters' 5-ton H155 family of helicopters was born under the Aerospatiale name "AS365", the general design of which evolved from the successful military-oriented AS365 "Dauphin" and then by Eurocopter (now Airbus helicopter company). Development of a market-oriented civilian model began in 1996, and the prototype flew for the first time on June 17, 1997.

The following year, production-quality models began flying, and after certification, H155 deliveries began in early to late September. Realized in mid-1998, and official service launch in 1999.

This product first appeared under the Eurocopter brand label as "EC155". The helicopter is now known as the "H155" by Airbus Helicopters.

The first production-quality models in the EC155B variant are powered by 2 Turbomeca "Arriel" 2C1 turboshaft engines. Then there's the EC155B1, which features a more powerful Arriel 2C2 turboshaft series engine rated at 935 hp and improved performance, especially in "hot and hot" environments.

The maximum take-off weight (MTOW) has also increased, which further adds to the value of the helicopter.

At the heart of the EC155 is a streamlined fuselage consistent with other Eurocopter designs and a heavily glazed frontal area for excellent cockpit visibility. The fuselage tapers aft to form the tail shaft, which houses the drive shaft to drive the tail rotor assembly. The tail rotor is housed in a fenestron shroud integrated into the tail itself.

Horizontal layers are arranged around the caudal side of the tail, each with small vertical fins. Atop the cabin (and above the twin-engine layout) is a five-bladed composite main rotor. The pilot and a passenger can access the front seats of the aircraft through a car-style door. Sliding doors serve the cabin space.

The landing gear is wheeled and fully retractable to maintain aerodynamic efficiency in flight.

The H155 is designed for use in a variety of civil aviation oriented industries including VIP/corporate passenger transport, oil rig support, MEDEVAC (emergency services), search and rescue (SAR), and general security/law enforcement.

The performance of the B1 includes a top speed of 200 mph, a range of up to 615 miles (ferry), and a service ceiling of up to 15,000 feet. The climb rate is 1,750 feet per minute.

To date (2017), the H155 has been operated by China (police), Germany (police), Hong Kong (government), Thailand (police), UK (Bristol Helicopters) and US (civilian).

The H155 was the basis for Eurocopter's experimental product "X3" (since completion), which is detailed elsewhere on this website.

Specification

Basic

Year:

1999

Status:

active, on duty

Staff:

Production

[100 units]:

Airbus Helicopters / Eurocopter - France

Roles

- Traffic

- Commercial Market

- VIP traffic

- Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC)

- Search and Rescue (SAR)

Dimensions

Length:

46.92 ft (14.3 m)

Width:

39.37 ft (12 m)

Height:

14.27 ft (4.35 m)

Weight

Curb Weight:

3,500 kg

MTOW:

10,847 lbs (4,920 kg)

(difference: +3,131 pt)

Performance

2 x Turbomeca Arriel 2C2 turboshaft engines, each producing 1,055 hp, powering both the five-blade main rotor and the fenestron ducted tail rotor.

Performance

Maximum Speed:

174 mph (280 km/h; 151 knots)

Service Limit:

15,000 ft (4,572 m; 2.84 mi)

Maximum range:

562 miles (905 km; 489 nautical miles)

Rate of climb:

533 m/min

Armor

Typically, however, no plans have been disclosed for a lightly armed attack helicopter model with a powered turret with cannon armament and short wings with rocket pods or cannon pods.