Eurocopter's commitment to innovation will be showcased at the 2011 Paris Air Show, where the company's high-profile participation is to include the first public flight presentations of its X3 hybrid demonstrator and the new EC175 helicopter. The Eurocopter presence at Le Bourget Airport also will comprise displays of its enhanced EC145 T2 and AS350 B3e helicopters; an AS565 Panther outfitted with the Stand Alone Weapon System (SAWS); the EC135 configured for law enforcement and customs missions; and a version of the EC175 tailored for search and rescue operations.
Also taking part in the Paris Air Show's daily flight program is the EC175, which is being developed by Eurocopter in a joint program with China. This multi-role helicopter is in the sevenmetric- ton weight category, fitting into Eurocopter's product range between its AS365 Dauphin and the AS332/EC225 Super Puma aircraft families. The EC175 benefits from a mix of proven and advanced technologies, providing excellent performance and reliability. The EC175 presented at Le Bourget is one of two helicopters in the flight test and development program, which foresees the rotary-wing aircraft's certification during the second half of 2011 for deliveries beginning in 2012.