Phoenix Heli-Flight will soon welcome two new AS350 B2s and an EC135 twin-engine aircraft, and has signed an MOU for the first Canadian EC145 T2.
The AS350 B2s are a favourite of our clients and we needed to increase our capacity to satisfy the demand for this aircraft, said Paul Spring, president and CEO of Phoenix Heli-Flight. The new B2s are a welcome addition to the current Phoenix fleet which includes: two EC120 Bs, an EC130 B4, AS350 B2, AS350 B3, AS355 N and an AS355 NP.
The AS350 B2 is an excellent utility helicopter that is able to carry an external load of more than one ton (2,200 lbs). Thanks to its high useful load, it is well suited for completing utility missions quickly and efficiently. Renowned for its enhanced performance, excellent safety features and reduced operating costs, the single-engine AS350 B2, powered with a Turbomeca Arriel 1D1 engine, has a proven track record.
The main driver for the EC135 acquisition was the performance of the aircraft and the outstanding safety features. This helicopter is the reference machine for EMS operations. The aircraft will be a dedicated emergency response helicopter, serving the northeast region of Alberta. The aircraft is backed by funding from the Alberta energy industry, and we are extremely pleased by the show of support, announced Spring.
The EC135 will be used for EMS, SAR and environmental issue management. To support the various missions, the aircraft will be equipped with dual pilot IFR, a rescue hoist and light-weight medical interior. The compact footprint of the EC135, coupled with its high endurance and extended range, enables this helicopter to perform a full range of mission requirements. The ability to carry more payload than any aircraft in its class, over longer distances, was a contributing factor in the selection of this particular helicopter. The reliable Turbomeca Arrius 2B2 turboshaft engine provides outstanding performance and vital reserves, even in one-engine inoperative scenarios, along with low fuel consumption.
The EC135 is known for its high performance and exceptional maneuverability. Its fast and quiet design has proven successful in its class. The aircraft will provide Phoenix Heli-Flight with superior emergency response capabilities, said Guy Joannes, president and CEO, Eurocopter Canada. In recent years, the twin-engine turbine fleet has been growing in Canada, and will be a valuable asset in assisting with emergency response missions. We value Phoenix Heli-Flight’s commitment to Eurocopter products with the introduction of the new generation twin-engine helicopters and the two new AS350 B2s.
Phoenix Heli-Flight is the first Canadian operator to sign an MOU for the new EC145 T2. The new platform will allow Phoenix to enhance its emergency response helicopter program and speaks directly to the oil and gas production industry. The evolution of the EC145, with increased power and safety, is the newest four-ton class twin-engine, multi-purpose helicopter in the EC145/BK117 family, which has seen more than 800 deliveries worldwide and has accumulated more than three million flight hours.
The EC145 T2 is ideally suited to carry out missions such as EMS, law enforcement, SAR, business aviation, oil and gas, and utility. The EC145 T2 comes with a four-axis auto pilot, optimizing the capabilities of the aircraft for over-water day and night SAR missions. It has been acknowledged by its operators as a high end, user-friendly and extremely helpful system. The EC145 T2 is equipped with two powerful and modern Turbomeca Arriel 2E engines, each controlled by a dual channel full authority digital engine control (FADEC), which, in combination with the aircraft’s lifting system, provide outstanding all engine operative (AEO) performances.
The new gear box of the EC145 T2 is an evolution of the proven solutions offered by the EC145/BK117 family of aircraft. Both the main gear box and aircraft components benefit from an increased time between scheduled maintenance overhauls, resulting in lower maintenance costs and the best solution to keep the aircraft in-service. Equipped with the Fenestron, which significantly reduces sound levels, the EC145 T2 is the quietest helicopter in its class. The composite structure and aerodynamic geometry of this tail boom also contribute to optimized fuel consumption.
