The Eurocopter Group is a global helicopter manufacturing and support company formed in 1992 from the merger of the helicopter divisions of French Aérospatiale and German DaimlerChrysler Aerospace AG (DASA).

Eurocopter EC 120 B

In 2001, Eurocopter's worldwide and American market share were 40% and 30% respectively.

The Eurocopter Group is a wholly-owned subsidiary of EADS.

Products

Eurocopter manufactures or has manufactured the following types of helicopters:

Civil

• BK117
• Colibri EC 120 B
• Dauphin
• Super Puma
• EC-135
• EC-145

Military

• Colibri EC 120 B
• Cougar
• Fennec
• Panther
• Tiger
• NH90

On Eurocopter aircraft the main rotor turns clockwise when viewed from above, unlike most American rotorcraft. This requires the pilot to make pedal movements that are the opposite to those learnt if previous flying has been on an American aircraft.

Eurocopter also pioneered the use of the 'fenestron' - an enclosed tail-rotor, which is more efficient and safer than the exposed version. For a close-up of a fenestron of the helicopter above (the Eurocopter EC120B), click here

External link

• Official Eurocopter Website