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Eurocopter EC120 Colibri

May 04, 2024

The Eurocopter (now Airbus Helicopters) EC120 Colibri ("hummingbird") is a five-seat, single-engine, light utility helicopter. Jointly designed and developed by Eurocopter, China National Aero-Technology Import & Export Corporation (CATIC), Harbin Aviation Industries (Group) Ltd (HAIG) and Singapore Technologies Aerospace Ltd (STAero) at Eurocopter France's Marignane facility, the EC120B was assembled by Eurocopter in France and Australia.[2]

EC120 Colibri
HC120
EC120B
Role Light utility helicopter
National origin Multinational
Manufacturer Eurocopter
Airbus Helicopters
Harbin Aircraft Industry Group
First flight 9 June 1995
Introduction 1998
Status Out of production
Produced 1995–2017
Number built ~700 (2015)[1]

In China, the aircraft is produced by Harbin Aircraft Manufacturing Corporation (HAMC) as the HC120.[3] In 2004, HAMC began local manufacturing of the HC120 at their assembly line in Harbin, in northern China. In the Chinese market, both the People's Liberation Army and multiple local police forces have purchased HC120 helicopters.[4]

Development edit

The EC120 Colibri has its origins in the P120, a proposal by French helicopter manufacturer Aérospatiale that was intended to replace both their Aérospatiale Gazelle and Aérospatiale SA 315B Lama single engine helicopters. During the 1980s, Aérospatiale sought international partners with which to co-produce the P120, these included aerospace companies in China, Singapore, and Australia.[5][6] In the aftermath of the Chinese Government's crackdown on the Tiananmen Square protests of 1989, the exclusion of Chinese involvement in the project was speculated.[7]

On 20 October 1992, a contract for the joint development contract of the new helicopter was signed by the three principle partners of the project, the newly formed Eurocopter, China National Aero-Technology Import & Export Corporation (CATIC) and Singapore Aerospace Ltd (STAero).[8] Under the joint development agreement, Eurocopter received a 61% controlling interest and technical leader in the programme, CATIC received a 24% work share and STAero received a 15% work share; CATIC designed and produced the cabin structure and fuel system, STAero produced the tail boom, access doors, and composite materials, while Eurocopter produced the dynamic assemblies, installed the avionics, electrical and hydraulic systems, and conducted the final assembly activity.[9] Development of the rotorcraft allowed Eurocopter to extend its range to include 1.5-tonne (1.7-short-ton) rotorcraft.[8]

 
An EC120 hovering, 2010

On 9 June 1995, the first prototype EC120 Colibri conducted its maiden flight.[8] By February 1996, the prototype had accumulated 60 flight hours, a second prototype joined the test program later that year.[10] In February 1997, the EC120 Colibri was formally launched at the Helicopter Association International (HAI) show in Anaheim, California; by June 1997, more than 50 orders had been received for the type.[11][12] By October 1998, more than 100 orders had been received for the type, leading Eurocopter to increase the production rate from four helicopters per month to six.[13] In 2002, Eurocopter was in the process of establishing a second assembly line for the EC120 at Australian Aerospace's facility in Brisbane, Australia.[14]

In September 2003, Eurocopter and China Aviation Industry Corporation II (AVIC II) expanded their partnership agreement to include a co-production arrangement with AVIC II-subsidiary Harbin Aircraft Industry Group (HAIG).[15] On 11 June 2004, a final production agreement was signed; under the agreement, CATIA and HAIG received exclusive market rights in China, and Eurocopter agreed to stop selling French-built EC120s in mainland China.[16] In June 2014, the People's Liberation Army of China became the launch customer for the Harbin-produced HC120, reportedly placing an order for eight of the type with options for fifty more.[16]

On 30 November 2017 Airbus Helicopters formally announced the end of the H120 program citing low delivery numbers. Only five H120s were delivered in 2016 compared to 63 Robinson R-66s. Airbus stated they are moving away from the lower end of the market spectrum and those helicopters are not as sophisticated as their traditional product line.[17]

Diesel demonstrator edit

 
The AE440 presented by Mecachrome in 2017

Within the Green Rotorcraft European Clean Sky Joint Technology Initiative environmental research program started in 2011, a H120 Technology demonstrator equipped with a HIPE AE440 high-compression aircraft diesel engine, running on jet fuel, first flew on 6 November 2015.[18] It aimed to reduce pollutant emissions and increase fuel efficiency, nearly double the range and enhance operations in hot and high conditions.[19]

The powerplant trialed was a liquid-cooled, dry sump lubricated 4.6-liter 90° V8 engine with an 1,800-bar (26,000 psi) common rail direct injection, fully machined aluminum blocks, titanium connecting rods, steel pistons and liners, one turbocharger per cylinder bank.[19] With an air-to-air intercooler, it weighed 197 kilograms (434 lb) without gearbox and the 330 kW (440 hp) installed powerpack weighs 249 kilograms (549 lb).[18] The rotors were driven via the existing transmission, the faster-turning Turbomeca Arrius turboshaft was replaced with a multiplier gearbox.[20]

The brake specific fuel consumption was 200 g/kW⋅h.[21] Torque oscillations were reduced through a light torsional shaft and vibrations are damped by Silent blocs.[22] It was manufactured by Teos Powertrain Engineering—a joint venture between Mecachrome and D2T (IFPEN group)—for the mechanical design, engine main parts manufacturing, assembly and testing and Austro Engine for the dual-channel FADEC and harness, fuel system, airworthiness.[18] Power was maintained at 2,500 m and ISA+20° and it achieved 42% a fuel consumption reduction, reducing the direct operating costs by 30% along with simpler maintenance.[23]

Design edit

 
The cockpit of an EC120 B Colibri

The EC120B Colibri is a single-engine multimission helicopter, designed for safe, simple, and cost-effective operations. It incorporates several of Eurocopter's trademarked technologies, those of prominence are the three-bladed Speriflex main rotor head and the eight-bladed fenestron anti-torque tail rotor;[24] these have been partially credited with contributing to the rotorcraft's noise signature, which is 6.7 decibels below International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) limits.[25]

Airbus Helicopters has claimed that the EC120 B possesses the lowest operating cost in its class. As of 2014, the EC120 has the distinction of being the only single-engine rotorcraft to be certified to JAR/FAR 27 standards; measures incorporated to meet these standards include an energy-attenuating main structure, energy-absorbent seats for all on board, and a crash-resistant fuel system.[25][26]

The aircraft features a wide, ergonomic cabin with high levels of external visibility, which can accommodate a single pilot along with four passengers in typical passenger configuration.[25] The design of the cabin is suitable for a wide variety of civilian and parapublic missions, such as utility transport, offshore transport, training, law enforcement, casualty evacuation and corporate transport. In the casualty evacuation role, the rotorcraft can carry one pilot and one stretcher patient as well as one or two medical attendants.[25]

In a cargo-carrying capacity, the EC120 can carry one pilot plus 2.94 m3 (104 cu ft) of total useful load volume spread between the cabin and the 0.8 m3 (28 cu ft) hold, which is externally accessible from the right-hand side and to the rear, as well as from the cabin in some configurations. To ease cargo operations, the cabin floor is flat and unobstructed; alternatively, a cargo sling can be installed to carry cargo of up to 700 kg (1,540 lb).[25]

 
A view of the EC120B's tailboom and fenestron anti-torque tail fan

According to Airbus Helicopters, the EC120B integrates a high level of advanced technology to make the rotorcraft easier and safer to fly, as well as to reduce costs. A particular emphasis was placed on allowing end-customers to perform as much of the maintenance tasks themselves.[25] The primary instrument panel is the twin-screen vehicle and engine multifunction display (VEMD) which provides control and monitoring of various aspects of the rotorcraft, such as the fenestron tail rotor and key engine parameters; the VEMD decreases overall pilot workload for greater safety.[25] In a baseline configuration, flight controls are installed only on the right-hand side, dual controls or left-hand only flight controls can be optionally installed.[26] Third parties have offered their own avionics suites for the EC120, adding functionality such as an autopilot.[27][28]

In addition to various civil roles, the EC120 has also been used by several military operators to conduct training, observation and light utility missions. Airbus Helicopter has promoted the type in a training capacity due to features such as positive control response, performance computation systems, modern instrumentation for ease of use, overall compact size, and a high level of cabin visibility.[25]

A wide range of optional equipment can be installed upon the EC120 B, this includes a wire strike protection system, air conditioning, sand filter, skis, windshield wipers, electrical external mirrors, a cargo sling, emergency flotation gear, forward looking infrared (FLIR) cameras, and external spotlights.[25] For corporate customers, the EC120 can be equipped with a Stylence interior, offering a luxurious interior with leather upholstery, in-flight office and telecommunications facilities, along with reduced noise and vibration levels via additional insulation.[29]

Operational history edit

External videos
  In-cockpit view of EC120 B startup sequence
  Spanish EC120 display at NATO Days 2013 Ostrava

The first EC120B was delivered in 1998. By 2008, Eurocopter had already delivered more than 550 Colibris to various customers.

In 2004, the United States Department of Homeland Security U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) selected the EC120B to meet its Light Sign Cutter requirement, a program potentially involving 55 aircraft with a total value of US$75 million in then-year dollars.[30] In 2006, the CBP ordered 15 EC120B helicopters, with a further five aircraft since ordered.[31]

The Spanish Air and Space Force (SASF) has procured a number of EC120s, which are used as rotary-wing trainers at the Armilla AFB. In 2003, the SPAF formed an aerobatic display team, the Patrulla ASPA, which use the type; a typical display involves five EC120s performing complex manoeuvers in addition to formation flight.[32][33]

In January 2008, the French Defense Ministry selected the EC120 as the French Army's new lead-in rotary-wing trainer to replace the Aérospatiale Gazelle. 36 EC120 Bs equipped with Sagem avionics shall be operated through a 22-year public-private partnership (PPP) with operator Hélidax.[34] On 12 October 2010, the final EC120 was delivered to Hélidax.[35]

Since 2011, a number of EC120s have been operated by the traffic police of Kurdistan, Iraq.[36] As of 2014, the crews are trained to undertake surveillance and rescue missions.[37]

Variants edit

P120L prototype before type redesignation to EC120 Colibri.

  • EC120B Colibri: Standard designation.
  • HC120: Chinese-built variant of the EC120.

Operators edit

Civil operators edit

 
An EC120B of the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department
 
EC 120B operated by Fiskflyg in Sweden

The EC120 is used by both private individuals and companies, helicopter charter and training organisations as well as law enforcement and government use.

  Australia
  Brazil
  Canada
  Germany
  Lithuania
 
An EC120 hover taxis at Barretos Airport
  Spain
  United States

  Kurdistan

• Kurdistan traffic police; also used for rescue and reconnaissance[53]

Military operators edit

  China
  France
  Indonesia
 
A Spanish Air Force Colibri demonstrates its agility with a barrel roll
  Malaysia
  Myanmar
  Singapore
  Spain

Specifications (EC120 B) edit

 

Data from Jane's all the World's Aircraft 2007–08[60]

General characteristics

  • Crew: 1
  • Capacity: 4 pax / 755 kg (1,664 lb) payload (700 kg (1,543 lb) max slung load)
  • Length: 11.52 m (37 ft 10 in) overall
9.6 m (31 ft) fuselage
  • Height: 3.4 m (11 ft 2 in)
  • Empty weight: 960 kg (2,116 lb)
  • Max takeoff weight: 1,715 kg (3,781 lb) internal load
1,800 kg (3,968 lb) external load
335 kW (449 hp) max continuous
  • Main rotor diameter: 10.0 m (32 ft 10 in)
  • Main rotor area: 78.54 m2 (845.4 sq ft)

Performance

  • Cruise speed: 226 km/h (140 mph, 122 kn) max
191 km/h (119 mph; 103 kn) econ
  • Never exceed speed: 278 km/h (173 mph, 150 kn)
  • Range: 727 km (452 mi, 393 nmi) no reserves
  • Endurance: 4 hours 32 minutes
  • Service ceiling: 5,180 m (16,990 ft)
  • Hover ceiling IGE: 2,820 m (9,252 ft)
  • Hover ceiling OGE: 2,320 m (7,612 ft)
  • Rate of climb: 6.1 m/s (1,200 ft/min)
  • Disk loading: 21.8 kg/m2 (4.5 lb/sq ft) internal load
22.9 kg/m2 (5 lb/sq ft) external load
  • Power/mass: 0.19 kW/kg (0.12 hp/lb) internal load
0.1835 kg (0 lb) external load

Avionics
Vehicle and Engine Multifunction Display (VEMD) with First Limit Indicator (FLI) fitted as standard.[26]

See also edit

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

References edit

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External links edit

 
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Airbus Helicopters H120 Colibri.
  • UK-CAA & JAA Type Certificate Data Sheet
  • producer of the HC120
  • EC120 productionlist details about and productionlist of the EC120 and HC120

May 04, 2024
eurocopter, ec120, colibri, eurocopter, airbus, helicopters, ec120, colibri, hummingbird, five, seat, single, engine, light, utility, helicopter, jointly, designed, developed, eurocopter, china, national, aero, technology, import, export, corporation, catic, h. The Eurocopter now Airbus Helicopters EC120 Colibri hummingbird is a five seat single engine light utility helicopter Jointly designed and developed by Eurocopter China National Aero Technology Import amp Export Corporation CATIC Harbin Aviation Industries Group Ltd HAIG and Singapore Technologies Aerospace Ltd STAero at Eurocopter France s Marignane facility the EC120B was assembled by Eurocopter in France and Australia 2 EC120 ColibriHC120 EC120B Role Light utility helicopter National origin Multinational Manufacturer EurocopterAirbus HelicoptersHarbin Aircraft Industry Group First flight 9 June 1995 Introduction 1998 Status Out of production Produced 1995 2017 Number built 700 2015 1 In China the aircraft is produced by Harbin Aircraft Manufacturing Corporation HAMC as the HC120 3 In 2004 HAMC began local manufacturing of the HC120 at their assembly line in Harbin in northern China In the Chinese market both the People s Liberation Army and multiple local police forces have purchased HC120 helicopters 4 Contents 1 Development 1 1 Diesel demonstrator 2 Design 3 Operational history 4 Variants 5 Operators 5 1 Civil operators 5 2 Military operators 6 Specifications EC120 B 7 See also 8 References 9 External linksDevelopment editThe EC120 Colibri has its origins in the P120 a proposal by French helicopter manufacturer Aerospatiale that was intended to replace both their Aerospatiale Gazelle and Aerospatiale SA 315B Lama single engine helicopters During the 1980s Aerospatiale sought international partners with which to co produce the P120 these included aerospace companies in China Singapore and Australia 5 6 In the aftermath of the Chinese Government s crackdown on the Tiananmen Square protests of 1989 the exclusion of Chinese involvement in the project was speculated 7 On 20 October 1992 a contract for the joint development contract of the new helicopter was signed by the three principle partners of the project the newly formed Eurocopter China National Aero Technology Import amp Export Corporation CATIC and Singapore Aerospace Ltd STAero 8 Under the joint development agreement Eurocopter received a 61 controlling interest and technical leader in the programme CATIC received a 24 work share and STAero received a 15 work share CATIC designed and produced the cabin structure and fuel system STAero produced the tail boom access doors and composite materials while Eurocopter produced the dynamic assemblies installed the avionics electrical and hydraulic systems and conducted the final assembly activity 9 Development of the rotorcraft allowed Eurocopter to extend its range to include 1 5 tonne 1 7 short ton rotorcraft 8 nbsp An EC120 hovering 2010 On 9 June 1995 the first prototype EC120 Colibri conducted its maiden flight 8 By February 1996 the prototype had accumulated 60 flight hours a second prototype joined the test program later that year 10 In February 1997 the EC120 Colibri was formally launched at the Helicopter Association International HAI show in Anaheim California by June 1997 more than 50 orders had been received for the type 11 12 By October 1998 more than 100 orders had been received for the type leading Eurocopter to increase the production rate from four helicopters per month to six 13 In 2002 Eurocopter was in the process of establishing a second assembly line for the EC120 at Australian Aerospace s facility in Brisbane Australia 14 In September 2003 Eurocopter and China Aviation Industry Corporation II AVIC II expanded their partnership agreement to include a co production arrangement with AVIC II subsidiary Harbin Aircraft Industry Group HAIG 15 On 11 June 2004 a final production agreement was signed under the agreement CATIA and HAIG received exclusive market rights in China and Eurocopter agreed to stop selling French built EC120s in mainland China 16 In June 2014 the People s Liberation Army of China became the launch customer for the Harbin produced HC120 reportedly placing an order for eight of the type with options for fifty more 16 On 30 November 2017 Airbus Helicopters formally announced the end of the H120 program citing low delivery numbers Only five H120s were delivered in 2016 compared to 63 Robinson R 66s Airbus stated they are moving away from the lower end of the market spectrum and those helicopters are not as sophisticated as their traditional product line 17 Diesel demonstrator edit nbsp The AE440 presented by Mecachrome in 2017 Within the Green Rotorcraft European Clean Sky Joint Technology Initiative environmental research program started in 2011 a H120 Technology demonstrator equipped with a HIPE AE440 high compression aircraft diesel engine running on jet fuel first flew on 6 November 2015 18 It aimed to reduce pollutant emissions and increase fuel efficiency nearly double the range and enhance operations in hot and high conditions 19 The powerplant trialed was a liquid cooled dry sump lubricated 4 6 liter 90 V8 engine with an 1 800 bar 26 000 psi common rail direct injection fully machined aluminum blocks titanium connecting rods steel pistons and liners one turbocharger per cylinder bank 19 With an air to air intercooler it weighed 197 kilograms 434 lb without gearbox and the 330 kW 440 hp installed powerpack weighs 249 kilograms 549 lb 18 The rotors were driven via the existing transmission the faster turning Turbomeca Arrius turboshaft was replaced with a multiplier gearbox 20 The brake specific fuel consumption was 200 g kW h 21 Torque oscillations were reduced through a light torsional shaft and vibrations are damped by Silent blocs 22 It was manufactured by Teos Powertrain Engineering a joint venture between Mecachrome and D2T IFPEN group for the mechanical design engine main parts manufacturing assembly and testing and Austro Engine for the dual channel FADEC and harness fuel system airworthiness 18 Power was maintained at 2 500 m and ISA 20 and it achieved 42 a fuel consumption reduction reducing the direct operating costs by 30 along with simpler maintenance 23 Design edit nbsp The cockpit of an EC120 B Colibri The EC120B Colibri is a single engine multimission helicopter designed for safe simple and cost effective operations It incorporates several of Eurocopter s trademarked technologies those of prominence are the three bladed Speriflex main rotor head and the eight bladed fenestron anti torque tail rotor 24 these have been partially credited with contributing to the rotorcraft s noise signature which is 6 7 decibels below International Civil Aviation Organization ICAO limits 25 Airbus Helicopters has claimed that the EC120 B possesses the lowest operating cost in its class As of 2014 the EC120 has the distinction of being the only single engine rotorcraft to be certified to JAR FAR 27 standards measures incorporated to meet these standards include an energy attenuating main structure energy absorbent seats for all on board and a crash resistant fuel system 25 26 The aircraft features a wide ergonomic cabin with high levels of external visibility which can accommodate a single pilot along with four passengers in typical passenger configuration 25 The design of the cabin is suitable for a wide variety of civilian and parapublic missions such as utility transport offshore transport training law enforcement casualty evacuation and corporate transport In the casualty evacuation role the rotorcraft can carry one pilot and one stretcher patient as well as one or two medical attendants 25 In a cargo carrying capacity the EC120 can carry one pilot plus 2 94 m3 104 cu ft of total useful load volume spread between the cabin and the 0 8 m3 28 cu ft hold which is externally accessible from the right hand side and to the rear as well as from the cabin in some configurations To ease cargo operations the cabin floor is flat and unobstructed alternatively a cargo sling can be installed to carry cargo of up to 700 kg 1 540 lb 25 nbsp A view of the EC120B s tailboom and fenestron anti torque tail fan According to Airbus Helicopters the EC120B integrates a high level of advanced technology to make the rotorcraft easier and safer to fly as well as to reduce costs A particular emphasis was placed on allowing end customers to perform as much of the maintenance tasks themselves 25 The primary instrument panel is the twin screen vehicle and engine multifunction display VEMD which provides control and monitoring of various aspects of the rotorcraft such as the fenestron tail rotor and key engine parameters the VEMD decreases overall pilot workload for greater safety 25 In a baseline configuration flight controls are installed only on the right hand side dual controls or left hand only flight controls can be optionally installed 26 Third parties have offered their own avionics suites for the EC120 adding functionality such as an autopilot 27 28 In addition to various civil roles the EC120 has also been used by several military operators to conduct training observation and light utility missions Airbus Helicopter has promoted the type in a training capacity due to features such as positive control response performance computation systems modern instrumentation for ease of use overall compact size and a high level of cabin visibility 25 A wide range of optional equipment can be installed upon the EC120 B this includes a wire strike protection system air conditioning sand filter skis windshield wipers electrical external mirrors a cargo sling emergency flotation gear forward looking infrared FLIR cameras and external spotlights 25 For corporate customers the EC120 can be equipped with a Stylence interior offering a luxurious interior with leather upholstery in flight office and telecommunications facilities along with reduced noise and vibration levels via additional insulation 29 Operational history editExternal videos nbsp In cockpit view of EC120 B startup sequence nbsp Spanish EC120 display at NATO Days 2013 Ostrava The first EC120B was delivered in 1998 By 2008 Eurocopter had already delivered more than 550 Colibris to various customers In 2004 the United States Department of Homeland Security U S Customs and Border Protection CBP selected the EC120B to meet its Light Sign Cutter requirement a program potentially involving 55 aircraft with a total value of US 75 million in then year dollars 30 In 2006 the CBP ordered 15 EC120B helicopters with a further five aircraft since ordered 31 The Spanish Air and Space Force SASF has procured a number of EC120s which are used as rotary wing trainers at the Armilla AFB In 2003 the SPAF formed an aerobatic display team the Patrulla ASPA which use the type a typical display involves five EC120s performing complex manoeuvers in addition to formation flight 32 33 In January 2008 the French Defense Ministry selected the EC120 as the French Army s new lead in rotary wing trainer to replace the Aerospatiale Gazelle 36 EC120 Bs equipped with Sagem avionics shall be operated through a 22 year public private partnership PPP with operator Helidax 34 On 12 October 2010 the final EC120 was delivered to Helidax 35 Since 2011 a number of EC120s have been operated by the traffic police of Kurdistan Iraq 36 As of 2014 the crews are trained to undertake surveillance and rescue missions 37 Variants editP120L prototype before type redesignation to EC120 Colibri EC120B Colibri Standard designation HC120 Chinese built variant of the EC120 Operators editCivil operators edit nbsp An EC120B of the San Bernardino County Sheriff s Department nbsp EC 120B operated by Fiskflyg in Sweden The EC120 is used by both private individuals and companies helicopter charter and training organisations as well as law enforcement and government use nbsp Australia Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter Service 38 nbsp Brazil Federal Highway Police 39 nbsp Canada Calgary Police Service 40 Royal Canadian Mounted Police 41 Edmonton Police Service 42 York Regional Police 2002 2023 41 Winnipeg Police Service 43 nbsp Germany Bundespolizei 44 nbsp Lithuania State Border Guard 45 nbsp An EC120 hover taxis at Barretos Airport nbsp Spain Spanish National Police 46 nbsp United States San Jose Police Department 47 Santa Clara County Sheriff s Office 48 Baltimore Police Department 49 Austin Police Department 50 Albuquerque Police Department 51 Sacramento County Sheriff s Department 52 nbsp Kurdistan Kurdistan traffic police also used for rescue and reconnaissance 53 Military operators edit nbsp China Chinese Army Ground Force 54 nbsp France Helidax Army Aviation Training 55 nbsp Indonesia Indonesian Army 56 Indonesian Navy 54 Indonesian Air Force 54 nbsp A Spanish Air Force Colibri demonstrates its agility with a barrel roll nbsp Malaysia Royal Malaysian Air Force 57 58 nbsp Myanmar Myanmar Air Force 59 nbsp Singapore Republic of Singapore Air Force 54 nbsp Spain Spanish Air and Space Force 54 Specifications EC120 B edit nbsp Data from Jane s all the World s Aircraft 2007 08 60 General characteristicsCrew 1 Capacity 4 pax 755 kg 1 664 lb payload 700 kg 1 543 lb max slung load Length 11 52 m 37 ft 10 in overall 9 6 m 31 ft fuselage dd dd dd Height 3 4 m 11 ft 2 in Empty weight 960 kg 2 116 lb Max takeoff weight 1 715 kg 3 781 lb internal load 1 800 kg 3 968 lb external load dd dd dd Fuel capacity 416 L 110 US gal 92 imp gal in two tanks Powerplant 1 Turbomeca TM 319 Arrius 2F turboshaft 376 kW 504 hp for take off 335 kW 449 hp max continuous dd dd dd Main rotor diameter 10 0 m 32 ft 10 in Main rotor area 78 54 m2 845 4 sq ft Performance Cruise speed 226 km h 140 mph 122 kn max 191 km h 119 mph 103 kn econ dd dd dd Never exceed speed 278 km h 173 mph 150 kn Range 727 km 452 mi 393 nmi no reserves Endurance 4 hours 32 minutes Service ceiling 5 180 m 16 990 ft Hover ceiling IGE 2 820 m 9 252 ft Hover ceiling OGE 2 320 m 7 612 ft Rate of climb 6 1 m s 1 200 ft min Disk loading 21 8 kg m2 4 5 lb sq ft internal load 22 9 kg m2 5 lb sq ft external load dd dd dd Power mass 0 19 kW kg 0 12 hp lb internal load 0 1835 kg 0 lb external load dd dd dd Avionics Vehicle and Engine Multifunction Display VEMD with First Limit Indicator FLI fitted as standard 26 See also edit nbsp Aviation portal Aircraft of comparable role configuration and era Bell 206 Bell 407 Bell 505 Jet Ranger X 61 Eurocopter AS350 Ecureuil MD Helicopters MD 500 PZL SW 4 Robinson R66References edit H120 Airbus Helicopters www helicopters airbus com Archived from the original on 25 July 2018 Retrieved 25 July 2018 EC120 Assembly Line Australian Aerospace Australian Aerospace Archived from the original on 22 August 2007 Retrieved 17 June 2017 HC120 EC 120 Helicopter Global Security org Global Security org Archived from the original on 21 July 2017 Retrieved 17 June 2017 HC 120 Helicopters built in Harbin China Air Force World in Chinese Air Force World Archived from the original on 3 March 2016 Retrieved 17 June 2017 Australia pulls out of Aerospatiale P120 Archived 8 December 2015 at the Wayback Machine Flight International 5 December 1989 Aerospatiale to build light helicopters with China and Singapore P 120 helicopter Defense Daily 3 July 1991 Aerospatiale venture faces China crisis Archived 8 December 2015 at the Wayback Machine Flight International 8 July 1989 a b c History From Eurocopter to Airbus Helicopters Archived 26 September 2015 at the Wayback Machine Airbus Helicopters Retrieved 29 November 2015 Grey Peter Light flier Archived 8 December 2015 at the Wayback Machine Flight International 13 May 1998 EC120 testing reaches 60h Archived 8 December 2015 at the Wayback Machine Flight International 14 February 1996 Helicopters on the rise Archived 8 December 2015 at the Wayback Machine Flight International 14 May 1997 Eurocopter wins Dauphin orders Archived 8 December 2015 at the Wayback Machine Flight International 25 June 1997 Moxon Julian Growing demand for Colibri prompts production increase Archived 8 December 2015 at the Wayback Machine Flight International 21 October 1998 Australian Prime Minister Inspects Eurocopter Helicopters during his State Visit to Germany Archived 8 December 2015 at the Wayback Machine Airbus Helicopters 4 July 2002 Sobie Brendan Eurocopter expands Chinese deal with EC120 Archived 8 December 2015 at the Wayback Machine Flight International 23 September 2003 a b Sobie Brendan Chinese army ready to launch HC120 after production deal Archived 8 December 2015 at the Wayback Machine Flight International 22 June 2014 Airbus Helicopters terminates H120 program Vertical Magazine VerticalMag com Archived from the original on 4 December 2017 Retrieved 4 December 2017 a b c Final Report Summary HIPE AE 440 Diesel Powerpack for a Light Helicopter Demonstrator CORDIS European Commission 19 February 2016 Archived from the original on 2 March 2017 Retrieved 1 March 2017 a b Airbus Helicopters starts flight tests with high compression piston engine Press release Airbus Helicopter 10 November 2015 Archived from the original on 20 March 2017 Graham Warwick 20 March 2015 Clean Sky Prepares For Helo Diesel Flight Tests Aviation Week Archived from the original on 26 November 2015 Retrieved 30 October 2015 Jet A 1 Aircraft Engine Teos Powertrain Engineering Archived from the original on 2 March 2017 Retrieved 1 March 2017 Alexandre Gierczynski 20 October 2015 Light Helicopter Demonstrator with HCE PDF Airbus Archived from the original PDF on 26 November 2015 Airbus Helicopters powers a piston revolution for light singles Flight Global 1 March 2017 Archived from the original on 1 March 2017 Retrieved 1 March 2017 P 120 Programme take shape Archived 8 December 2015 at the Wayback Machine Flight International 6 March 1990 a b c d e f g h i EC120 B Everything you need in One Handy Little Package Archived 11 September 2015 at the Wayback Machine Airbus Helicopters 2014 a b c EC120 B Technical Data 2015 Archived 11 September 2015 at the Wayback Machine Airbus Helicopters 2015 Regourd offers advanced suite in entry level EC120 Colibri Archived 8 December 2015 at the Wayback Machine Flight International 31 January 2006 Learmount David Light helicopters set for autopilots Archived 8 December 2015 at the Wayback Machine Flight International 17 October 2006 Peaford Alan EBACE Eurocopter keen to demonstrate value of helicopter role Archived 8 December 2015 at the Wayback Machine Flight International 15 May 2012 Co developed in China US Homeland Security Orders EC120 Helis Archived 21 December 2015 at the Wayback Machine Defense Industry Daily 1 March 2006 American Eurocopter EurocopterUSA com Archived from the original on 2 August 2008 Retrieved 4 December 2017 Inicios de la Patrulla ASPA Archived 8 December 2015 at the Wayback Machine patrullaaspa defensa gob es Retrieved 29 November 2015 Lopez Luis Javier La patrulla ASPA del Ejercito del Aire celebra sus diez anos en Granada Archived 8 December 2015 at the Wayback Machine sevilla abc es 18 May 2014 Premier partenariat public prive pour la defense Archived 18 March 2008 at the Wayback Machine French Ministry of Defense Parsons Gary News Last EC120 for French training delivered Archived 8 December 2015 at the Wayback Machine Aircraft Magazine 12 October 2010 Kurdistan s traffic police to have helicopters Archived 18 July 2012 at the Wayback Machine AKNews 17 December 2011 Bender Jeremy As The Kurds Mobilize In Iraq Here s A Look At What They Have In Their Arsenal Archived 8 December 2015 at the Wayback Machine Business Insider 30 June 2014 Life Saving Victoria Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopters Archived from the original on 9 November 2011 Retrieved 25 November 2011 Jeferson Espindola EC 120B Colibri Mato Grosso do Sul Archived from the original on 4 March 2016 Retrieved 23 April 2013 HAWCS Calgary s Eye in the Sky Helicopters Magazine Archived from the original on 5 March 2014 Retrieved 1 April 2013 a b Reshaping Canada s Parapublic Service Archived from the original on 26 July 2009 Retrieved 1 March 2013 Careless James Bringing in Backup Helicopter Magazine Archived from the original on 17 August 2009 Retrieved 1 April 2013 Winnipeg Police Service Flight Operations Unit Archived from the original on 17 April 2015 Retrieved 16 April 2015 Bundespolizei Flugdienst Bundespolizei de Archived from the original on 12 March 2013 Retrieved 27 April 2013 Valstybes sienos apsaugos tarnyba Pasienis lt 30 April 2013 Archived from the original on 8 February 2014 Direccion General de la Policia Servicio de Medios Aereos Helicopteros Archived from the original on 2 February 2013 Retrieved 2 March 2013 SJPD Special Operations Division sjpd org Archived from the original on 27 July 2016 Retrieved 17 July 2016 AIR SUPPORT UNIT Veteran pilot provides eye above Santa Clara County for sheriff s deputies mercurynews com 28 December 2010 Archived from the original on 1 February 2016 Retrieved 17 July 2016 EC120 Reaches 10 000 Flight Hour Milestone eurocopter com Archived from the original on 1 February 2014 Retrieved 1 March 2013 About The Aircraft apdair1 com Archived from the original on 3 August 2015 Retrieved 29 March 2013 Albuquerque Police Department Air Support Unit Air 1 Eurocopter EC 120B youtube com Archived from the original on 16 June 2014 Retrieved 26 December 2013 Air Operations Bureau Sacramento County Sheriff s Department Sacramento County Sheriff s Department Archived from the original on 17 March 2017 Retrieved 17 June 2017 Iraq crisis Arming the Kurds BBC News 15 August 2014 Retrieved 10 January 2024 a b c d e World Air Forces 2014 PDF Flightglobal Insight 2014 Archived PDF from the original on 10 August 2014 Retrieved 30 March 2014 Eurocopter delivers the last of 36 EC120s ordered by Helidax eurocopter com Archived from the original on 13 October 2010 Retrieved 1 March 2013 ANALYSIS 2019 World Air Forces Directory flightglobal com DVV Media International Limited Archived from the original on 23 January 2019 Retrieved 30 December 2018 Gading Kasturi Gading Archived from the original on 3 July 2015 Retrieved 9 March 2016 Marhalim Abas 3 December 2015 RMAF s newest helicopter unveiled Malaysian Defence Archived from the original on 22 January 2016 Retrieved 22 January 2015 Mazumdar Mrityunjoy 16 December 2016 Myanmar commissions transport aircraft helos Alameda California IHS Jane s Archived from the original on 17 December 2016 Retrieved 16 December 2016 Jackson Paul ed 2008 Jane s all the World s Aircraft 2007 08 London Jane s Publishing Group pp 329 330 ISBN 978 0 7106 2792 6 Mark Huber and Thierry Dubois Bell Reveals more on short light single Archived 4 September 2014 at the Wayback Machine AIN online 3 August 2013 Accessed 11 December 2013 External links edit nbsp Wikimedia Commons has media related to Airbus Helicopters H120 Colibri Official Eurocopter EC120 B Website EC120 webpage UK CAA amp JAA Type Certificate Data Sheet Harbin Aviation Industries producer of the HC120 EC120 productionlist details about and productionlist of the EC120 and HC120 Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title Eurocopter EC120 Colibri amp oldid 1213924361, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,

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