Visitors to Helitech International will have a unique opportunity to view and explore over 20 helicopters during their visit to the new-look exhibition, being staged for the first time at ExCeL, London between Sept. 24-26, in association with the European Helicopter Association. Aircraft highlights include AgustaWestland’s AW101, a medium-lift helicopter which will be displayed in a civil VIP configuration outside ExCeL’s east entrance. AgustaWestland will also have on display an AW189 that has been designed to operate in harsh conditions undertaking long range, deep water missions typical of the offshore industry and an AW139 designed with inherent multi-role capability and capable of carrying up to 15 passengers at very high speeds.
Eurocopter has backed Helitech International’s strategic move to become a more international exhibition by fielding its most impressive display of helicopters since it started exhibiting at Helitech 21 years ago. The array of rotorcraft on display include the EC130 T2, a light single-engine helicopter that includes all the latest technology and a spacious modular cabin that can accommodate one pilot and up to seven passengers. The company states that it is the quietest platform on the market as its Fenestron tail rotor and automatic variable rotor speed control result in a significantly reduced external sound level. The EC145 T2 is the newest 4-ton class twin engine, multi-purpose helicopter in Eurocopter’s product range and is the latest evolution of the EC145/BK117 family. A mock-up of the EC175, along with the EC145 and EC120 will complete Eurocopter’s line up.
“Exhibiting at Helitech International is important as it’s the only exhibition in Europe where the entire European helicopter community are brought together. Many new visitors (including potential customers and suppliers) to the helicopter market will attend the show, which is getting bigger and better known,” said Jens Stoetzer, Vice President Marketing and Business Development at Eurocopter.
Bell Helicopter recently announced that it will present a UK National Grid Bell 429 used for power inspection in a utility configuration on its stand. National Grid’s Bell 429 includes an operator workstation in the cabin of the aircraft featuring: SyQuest 20″ HD display, MX-10 control unit, HD Nano Flash recorder, USB hub ports and keyboard. Bell Helicopter will have a second 429 undertaking customer demonstration flights.
Sloane Helicopters will display Robinson’s first ever turbine helicopter, the R66. Compared to its piston predecessors, the new model offers improved performance, a larger cabin, a fifth rear seat and a large baggage compartment. Iridium will promote its portfolio of capabilities by exhibiting an R22 on the company’s exhibition stand.
Other aircraft situated within the exhibition and externally in the east entrance include, but not limited to: HC Aviation’s two AS355N; MD Helicopters’ MD 369E; Helicentre Aviation’s Guimbal Cabri; Specialist Aviations Services’ MD 902 Explorer; and AS Aerospace’s Squirrel Helicopter.
Helitech International Event Director, John Hyde, said: “The move to ExCeL has allowed us to be more flexible when it comes to housing aircraft. We have a record number of platforms situated on exhibitor’s stands and for the first time we will field an internal static display area that will compliment the highly popular external static display.”
