Eurocopter

Eurocopter X4 Will Be the Next Must-Have Heli

Filed under: Wings

We all want one of Eurocopter's experimental Rolls-Royce powered X3s. But while that is several years away from production the company's new X4 model is reportedly going to be available a lot sooner. The X4, a next-generation medium twin billed as a replacement for the AS365 Dauphin / EC155, could be available by the end of the year, priced at several million dollars. Eurocopter CEO Lutz Bertling recently promised the X4 will be "a game changer" featuring "a new way of flying". Insiders speculate this means a five-blade design with fly-by-wire controls and a brand new cockpit with iPad-style interfaces. Compared with the Dauphin, the X4 will have an increased payload and enhanced performance and be safer and more environmentally friendly. We're holding out for the Hermes edition.

Tags: aircraft, Eurocopter, Eurocopter X3, Eurocopter X4, helicopter, Sikorsky X2

Jet Meets Heli: Rolls-Royce Powered Eurocopter X3

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Gadgets, Wings

Eurocopter's ultra-cool X3 prototype (above), which combines the technology of a turboprop plane with traditional helicopter engineering, just attained an airspeed of 180 knots (207 mph) in level flight in testing in Istres, France. The X3, which was not operating at full power, is expected to break the official helicopter speed world record by the time testing is complete. Over the last few months of testing the X3 has performed such feats as reaching an altitude of 12,500 ft. and maneuvering with left and right turns at bank angles of up to 60°. Utilizing a Dauphin helicopter airframe, the X3 is equipped with two Rolls-Royce turboshaft engines that power a five-blade main rotor system, along with two propellers installed on short-span fixed wings. In terms of sheer speed it still may not top Sikorsky's experimental X2 which we wrote about last month, but its stylish looks and jet-like features should more than make up for it.

Tags: Eurocopter, eurocopter+x3, eurocopterx3, France, helicopter, rolls+royce, Rolls-Royce, rollsroyce, Sikorsky, sikorsky+x2, sikorskyx2

Mercedes-Benz Helicopter Unveiled in Geneva

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Wings

A special edition EC145 Mercedes-Benz Style helicopter designed by Mercedes and Eurocopter was just unveiled at the European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition 2010 in Geneva. The luxurious EC145 is equipped with comfortable seats made of exclusive materials coupled with sumptuous wood fittings for the floors and ceiling. The project, conceived by the Mercedes-Benz Advanced Design Studio in Como, Italy, is the only helicopter in its class that can seat up to eight passengers. For the cabin layout, Mercedes-Benz opted for a modular approach inspired by its new R-Class crossover. All seats are mounted on rails and can be quickly and easily reconfigured or removed to make room for luggage including golf bags and bicycles (also designed by Mercedes, of course). There are also three multi-function boxes with features such as a cooler, cup holder, table, 15-inch monitor and DVD player. Time to trade in that Hermes helicopter, perhaps?

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz Helicopter

Tags: aviation, Eurocopter, Geneva, helicopter, Mercedes, Mercedes-Benz, private aviation

Eurocopter EC155 B1 Dauphin Concept for Superyachts

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Yachts & Sailing, Wings

Eurocopter has just unveiled a new nautical-themed helicopter concept designed specially for use on superyachts at the Monaco Yacht Show, in partnership with luxury yacht broker Edmiston. The exterior of the twin engine Eurocopter EC155 B1 Dauphin by Andrew Winch Designs (AWD) is meant to evoke the contours of ocean waves via curving raised polished stainless steel trim lines. Yacht-inspired interior teak flooring, leather wrap-around adjustable sport seats fitted with carbon fiber back shells, fold-down central armrests, and "floating" LCD screens with headphones combine to offer the ultimate in luxury transport, along with bespoke touches such as the yacht's name etched in the rear windows. "The key idea behind my concept is endless comfort, be it on land with a Range Rover, at sea with a yacht or in the air with a helicopter," Winch notes.

[via JamesList]

Tags: Edmiston, Eurocopter, helicopter, Monaco, Monaco Yacht Show, MonacoYachtShow, superyacht, yacht

First $6 Million Hermes Helicopter Goes to Abu Dhabi

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Wings, Wealth

The world's first $6 million Hermès helicopter, designed by the famed French fashion house in conjunction with Eurocopter, has been delivered to Falcon Aviation Services in Abu Dhabi. Back in 2007 my colleague Deidre Woollard reported on the announcement of the ultra-luxurious chopper, dubbed the "l'Hélicoptère par Hermès," though no price was quoted at the time. Unsurprisingly, the oil rich emirate has snapped up the first of the craft, based on Eurocopter's EC135 model and done in brown and cream livery with signature Hermès orange accents.

The cabin of the helicopter was completely redesigned by Hermès Interior and Design - who also created a custom Rolls-Royce for the Four Seasons George V in Paris we wrote about last year - to maximize the available space and make it as luxurious as possible. Hermès' classic canvas "Toile H" was used to cover the cockpit while the handcrafted seats and banquette are upholstered in natural-grained Hermès calf leather. A sliding glass partition separates the passenger compartment and cockpit, enhancing privacy while allowing light to enter.

"We are delighted to be the first customer for 'l'Hélicoptère par Hermès', which gives us the opportunity to offer a unique travelling experience to our customers" FAS's Vice Chairman Salem Al Kayoumi stated. "This helicopter illustrates a successful fusion between design and technology, where every detail has been created for VIP and business travellers. They are busy and highly demanding, yet wish to travel with utmost comfort and elegance."

Tags: Abu Dhabi, AbuDhabi, Eurocopter, helicopter, Hermes, UAE

The Hermes Helicopter

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Wings

If the black-and-white Versace helicopter wasn't your color scheme check out l'Hélicoptère par Hermès, a Eurocopter EC 135 helicopter designed by the French luxury brand in rich brown with classic Hermes orange accents. The EC135 is a twin engined multimission helicopter which can hold five passengers plus a pilot and luggage. The gorgeous interior has Hermès calf leather seats and leather trimmed controls and the entire cabin is enclosed in Hermès canvas and comes with binoculars so the passengers can view the scenery from above. I particularly love the neat little cubbies for your reading material. Certification is expected by next summer and there are already several interested buyers but they will have to wait until next October for their new toy.

[via Sybarites]

Gallery: Hermes Helicopter