Irish Air Corps Takes Delivery of its First EC 135

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Irish Air Corps Takes Delivery of its First EC 135


(Source: Irish Air Corps; issued Sept. 27, 2005)


The Irish Air Corps, the air element of the Irish Defence Forces, has taken delivery of the first of two EC 135 P2 helicopters in late September. The second aircraft is due in October. As part of the Air Corps’ fleet upgrade programme, the EC 135s will be used primarily for pilot training, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and Army support.

The Irish Air Corps is a long-standing Eurocopter customer with Alouette III, AS 355 and AS 365 helicopters in its services. The EC 135 has been selected for its proven reliability, safety, multi-role capability, advanced design and excellent maintenance support. The Air Corps’ task is to contribute to the security of the State and to fulfill all roles assigned by the Government.

For the broad spectrum of missions of the Irish Air Corps, the aircraft are equipped with a night vision goggle compatible glass cockpit, dual and single pilot IFR instrumentation, a sophisticated navigation management system, rescue hoist, cargo hook, rope-down device and fixed provisions for FLIR (Forward Looking Infrared) camera. Both helicopters can be fitted with EMS equipment.

Since its market introduction in mid-1996, the EC 135 has become the fastest-selling light twin-engine helicopter in its class, with more than 70 aircraft being delivered to customers per year. It is the preferred choice of law enforcement agencies and EMS operators worldwide, having captured 24% and 43% of these markets respectively in terms of new helicopters delivered. The EC 135 and its military variant, the EC 635, are also in military operational services with the German Armed Forces and the Royal Jordanian Air Force.

Eurocopter is proud to add the Irish Air Corps to its family of prestigious EC 135 customers.

The EC 135’s sustained success and undisputed leadership in the international market for new-generation light twins is based on its innovative and reliable technology, such as its modular design as well as digital avionics, the low-noise, bearingless and maintenance-free main rotor and quiet, shrouded tail rotor of the Fenestron® type. The large cabin is easily accessible through large side sliding doors as well as rear clamshell doors, and can be easily re-configured for a variety of missions. At 7 dB below ICAO limits, it is the quietest helicopter in its class according to official measurements.


Eurocopter is a wholly-owned subsidiary of EADS. EADS is a global leader in aerospace, defence and related services. In 2004, EADS generated revenues of EUR 31.8 billion and employed a workforce of about 110,000. The EADS Group includes the aircraft manufacturer Airbus, the world's largest helicopter supplier Eurocopter and the joint venture MBDA, the international leader in missile systems. EADS is the major partner in the Eurofighter consortium, is the prime contractor for the Ariane launcher, develops the A400M military transport aircraft and is the largest industrial partner for the European satellite navigation system Galileo.

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