German Federal Border Guard becomes World's largest Operator of EC 135 and EC 155: Contract for additional 13 Helicopters awarded to Eurocopter
Marignane, 14 Februar 2002
The German Federal Border Guard (BGS, i.e. Bundesgrenzschutz) is underscoring its role as Eurocopter's largest civil customer. With a new order for an additional eleven EC 135 and two EC 155 helicopters, the BGS is expanding its existing fleet of the two Eurocopter models to a total of 37, making it the world's largest operator of these aircraft. The contract is worth € 68 million. Deliveries of the EC 135 will commence in 2002, of the EC 155 in 2003.
The BGS began modernizing its fleet in 1997 when it signed a contract for initially 13 EC 155 light transport helicopters (LTH) and eleven EC 135 liaison helicopters (VBH). The two models replace helicopters which have been in service for more than 30 years. The EC 135 replaces part of the Alouette II SA 318 fleet, the EC 155 supersedes various Bell models. In addition, the BGS flies 17 BO 105 CBS-5 Super Five, 22 Puma SA 330s and three Super Puma AS 331 L1s from Eurocopter. In total, the BGS operates 92 Eurocopter helicopters.
The cockpit family concept with multifunctional displays as realized in the EC 135 and EC 155 helicopters requires less time for training and familiarization, resulting in reduced costs to the BGS. This likewise applies to overall servicing, since both types were designed for exceptionally low maintenance. The BGS was particularly impressed with the EC 135's revolutionary bearingless main rotor head, which does not require fixed maintenance intervals and whose rotor blades in principle have an unlimited service life.
In addition, the BGS is setting new standards in Europe for the technical equipment of its EC 135s and EC 155s as police helicopters. The aircraft on order have high-skid landing gear (EC 135), external loudspeakers, tactical multi-frequency radio sets, gyro-stabilized daylight and thermal imaging camera, searchlights (with infrared), Avionique Nouvelle, moving map (AeroNavIII), weather radar and four-axis autopilot. The EC 155s are additionally equipped with hoisting winches, cargo sling, fast-roping system and, as from 2003, a de-icing system.
The BGS is breaking new ground as the first customer to order the Hellas laser obstacle warning system. A total of 25 systems will be ensuring improved safety of the new helicopters in flight and thus optimized serviceability, while at the same time reducing hazards to pilots.
Eurocopter is a wholly-owned subsidiary of EADS (European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company). With revenues amounting to 30.8 billion Euro and a workforce of 100,000, EADS is the largest European aerospace company and No. 2 worldwide. It is active in the sectors of commercial aircraft, helicopters, space, military transport and combat aircraft as well as defence technology and services.
For further information please contact:
For further information
Jean Louis ESPES
Tel : +33 (0) 4 42 85 95 55
Fax: +33 (0)4 42 85 95 64
Eurocopter
Aéroport International Marseille Provence
13725 Marignane Cedex
France
Christina GOTZHEIN
Tel : +49(0) 89 6000 64 88
Fax : +49(0) 89 6000 44 37
Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH
D-81663 München
Chantal LINARES
Tel : +33(0) 4 42 85 60 51
Fax : +33(0) 4 42 85 95 64
Eurocopter
Aéroport International Marseille Provence
13725 Marignane Cedex
France
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