The full-scale EC175 mockup at Heli-Expo 2010 was outfitted with mission equipment for the search and rescue role, including bubble windows, a chin-mounted electro-optic sensor turret, under-fuselage radome, SAR operator’s console, cabin-mounted medical equipment and external winch.  A side-mounted searchlight, along with up to six under-fuselage lights, provide area illumination, which are completed by main- and tail-rotor lighting for use when maneuvering near obstacles. 

The EC175 was conceived as a robust, cost-effective workhorse helicopter in the 7-metric-ton weight category.  It has the largest useful volume and payload – as well as the highest performance and range – in its class.  Eurocopter’s first EC175 performed its maiden flight last December, with certification planned in 2011 followed by initial deliveries in 2012.

Wide, hydraulically-assisted siding doors on each side of the EC175’s fuselage – combined with its unobstructed, flat-floored main cabin – provide easy access for a full range of operations.  For its Heli-Expo debut in the SAR configuration, the full-scale EC175 mockup’s cabin was outfitted with a basic complement of medical equipment on the sidewall, plus a litter on a specialized secure floor mounting. 

This interior view, looking aft, underscores the EC175’s large main cabin.  The cabin’s overhead LED (light-emitting diode) lighting is compatible with night vision goggles.  Behind the removable, stowable seats on the rear bulkhead is the helicopter’s 83 cu. ft. (2.35 sq. meter) cargo compartment.  Safety features of the EC175 include oversized front and aft emergency flotation gear that can remain fully armed in flight, along with deployable life rafts that are integrated in the step sponsons on each side of the aircraft.

Visible in this view, looking forward inside the main cabin, is the search and rescue operator’s station – which is located at the right, behind the cockpit. To the cabin’s left are the medical equipment rack and floor-mounted litter.  Another possible medical layout is a three-deck arrangement, in which two litters could be stacked, optionally using the top level for equipment.

In the concept layout shown at Heli-Expo 2010, the EC175’s forward cabin has a seat for the operator, along with two other seats for crewmembers – all of which can slide along rails and swivel.  The representative operator’s console in the EC175 mockup at Heli-Expo 2010 included a large touch screen for the display of data from the external turret’s electro-optic sensors and the radar – all of which can be overlaid on maps. 

Large bubble windows located on both sides of the main cabin provide excellent visibility in all directions – including under the helicopter – and are large enough to accommodate night vision goggles.  The console operator’s seat can swivel into a side-looking position aligned with the adjacent bubble widow.  On the EC175 mockup, the large window sill incorporates a communications box for the console operator, but alternatives include leaving this area clear as an arm rest during searches.

In the Heli Expo concept configuration, a turret with large sensor ball is installed under the EC175’s streamlined nose.  Behind it is an underfuselage radome for a 360-deg. radar.  Various options and combinations of electro-optics and radars will be available that offer 360 deg. coverage, increased ground clearance, and choices of radar performance.  Large cockpit windscreens, plus side and chin windows, provide excellent visibility in all flight modes for the pilots.   

The EC175’s glass cockpit is fitted with four 6 X 8-inch multi-function LCD displays, along with a large central mission display.  The overhead area above the pilots is cleared of all switches and circuit breakers, which have been moved to the main pedestal – improving ergonomics and safety.  Included in the EC175’s avionics suite is a four-axis duplex autopilot, which provides high precision and stability for automatic transitions to hover, and enables search modes to be entered from any flight configuration.