The EC120 B, popularly known as the Colibri, is a perfect instance of most powerful features in handy small package. So, all your needs for a multi-purpose helicopter that can be used for civil and military purpose as well, rolled into this little Eurocopter EC120, and comes with unique and most powerful features and specifications that makes this helicopter more appropriate for military use and civil utility as well. Read on to learn more about the specification, utilities and design and development of this Eurocopter EC120 Colibri.
About Eurocopter EC120 Colibri
The Eurocopter EC120 Colibri is a joint venture of the Eurocopter, Harbin Aviation Industries (Group) Limited, China National Aero-Technology Import & Export Corporation and the Singapore Technologies Aerospace Limited. The design and development of this 5-seat, single rotor and single engine light helicopter is initiated by these organizations only, and is specifically designed for mission flexibility. The parts of the EC120 B are assembled by Eurocopter in Australia and France, and in China, this helicopter is developed in the name of HC120, and produced by Harbin Aviation Industries (Group) Limited. This aircraft was specifically designed for various civilian roles like offshore transport, utility transport, casualty evacuation, law enforcement or corporate transport. It is also used for military training and other light utility missions as well. The unit cost of EC120 Colibri ranges somewhat around U.S$1.7 million or 1 million Euro dollars.
Features and Specifications of Eurocopter EC120
The Eurocopter EC120 B Colibri, or more popularly the Hummingbird, is a single engine aircraft of 1.7 tons, specifically designed for mission flexibility. The advanced technology system and hi-tech features make the operations of this helicopter much safer and simple, and in the most cost-efficient manner. Moreover, this small helicopter, or more preferably the Eurocopter, is most easy to maintain as well. The high technology ergonomic cockpit of the EC120 B, and the dual LCD screen Vehicle and Engine Multifunction Display, reduces the workload of the pilot significantly and makes the operation much more convenient and simple. This is the only helicopter of its class that is completely FAR/JAR 27 certified, and offers minimalistic fuel consumption due to the presence of the Turbomeca Arrius 2F engine in this Eurocopter. The wide cabin helps in various civilian utility missions, as well as in military training and missions. The crash resistant fuel system and seats and a cruise speed of 223km/hr makes this light weighted Eurocopter EC120 more popular for light utility missions of military and the civilians.
Major EC120 operators
EC120 has been specifically designed and developed for various civil activities and military actions as well. While the features and specifications suitably match both the purpose, this multi-purpose state-of-the-art Eurocopter is used for various purposes by major operators across the world. The major civil operators of Eurocopter EC120 B are India, Denmark, South Africa, Sweden and Portugal. The important military operators are Spain, Singapore, China, Indonesia and France. The EC120 is also being used for law enforcement purposes in many countries like USA, Brazil, China, Germany, and many others.