From the EC120 to the EC225, Eurocopter offers the widest choice of top-of-the-range aircraft on the market. All the bases are therefore covered – and, at first base, single-engine helicopters cater for the majority of demand from private owners.

The EC120, EC130 and Ecureuil range are very popular with corporate and private customers. From the passenger’s point of view, the EC130 meets with everyone’s approval for its comfort, cabin visibility and ultramodern profile.
The competition is stiffer for twin-engine aircraft, but Eurocopter has made excellent progress on this front, with sales rising from 13 aircraft in 2005 (all models included); to 32 in 2006; and 44 in the first nine months of 2007.
Two helicopters stand out in particular: the Dauphin and the EC135. The EC135 has a solid reputation for best value for money and is, above all, a compact aircraft, which makes it ideal for operations in built-up areas or for use on yachts. This is a feature that it shares with the EC145, which is just beginning its VIP career. Furthermore, the EC145 has a very roomy cabin and outstanding reliability.
In the medium/twin segment, the Dauphin family (AS365 N3 and EC155 B1) is looked upon as the main challenger to the firmly entrenched competition. However, with approximately 20 aircraft sold between January and September 2007, the Dauphin has made a major breakthrough, especially in the countries of Eastern Europe. The spacious cabin, unrivalled flight comfort and remarkable autopilot raise the EC155 B1 to the standards of an airliner or a business jet.

A sporty or exclusive interior
Comfort is one of the main criteria on the corporate and private market. The buyers are very often also the main users, who place space, interior furnishings, noise and vibration levels and the overall aesthetic appearance of the aircraft at the top of their list of priorities.
Eurocopter therefore offers several cabin designs to meet the widest possible range of customer requirements. In 2003, the Stylence concept (a contraction of “style” and “excellence”) was first implemented in the EC130.
“Stylence offers a sporty and elegant atmosphere,” explains Christine Fraud, the marketing manager for corporate and private applications. “In addition to the combination of punched and smooth leather on the coverings, special attention has been paid to the finishing touches. For example, we decided to leave the metal structures of the energy-absorbing seats exposed, and to add carbon inserts in the seat backs, to enhance that sporty look.”
The Stylence formula is now offered on the EC120, EC130, the Ecureuil range and the EC145. Another possibility is to give the helicopter an exclusive finish, creating a more luxurious atmosphere similar to that of a business jet. Leather is used throughout the cabin, which takes on the appearance of a stylish lounge. And the number of seats is reduced from six to four on an EC135, for example, and from 12 to eight on an EC155. On certain aircraft, a partially glazed partition can be used to separate the cockpit from the passenger cabin and the soundproofing is also enhanced through the use of special windows and padding behind the coverings. Stowage or comfort features – such as an insulated cabinet for food and drinks, video screens and laptop connections – can also be provided in the cabin.
More and more corporate and private helicopter users want to be able to work or relax in their aircraft just like they would in a sophisticated lounge. The helicopter is no longer just a means of transport; it has become a living space. This is a brain-teaser for the design offices, however, which have to incorporate a wide range of modern equipment, without changing the helicopter’s weight or the appearance of the cabin.