A Next-Generation Helicopter
Developed and evolved based on decades of rotorcraft experience, the EC135 is one of the world’s most advanced and versatile light utility helicopters. Produced by European rotorcraft company Eurocopter, the twin-engine light utility EC135 typically accommodates seven, but can seat up to eight, including the pilot.
The EC135 is a legendary next-generation helicopter in several specialized rotorcraft fields, including emergency medical service, search and rescue, military rotorcraft training, industrial support, business and VIP transport, law enforcement, flight tours, and aerial photography and videography. Its power and precision make it a pilot favorite.
Born of Innovation
The EC135’s origin goes back to the 1970s with the West German company Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm (MBB) which had created the Bo 105, the world’s first twin-engine light helicopter. The Bo 105, which took its maiden flight in February of 1967, boasted several rotorcraft innovations, including a hingeless rotor system, making it exceptionally maneuverable. MBB continued their design work with a helicopter they designated the Bo 108. The Bo 108 featured advanced elements including full-authority digital engine control (FADEC) and a refined transmission. The Bo 108 took its maiden flight in October of 1988 but never entered serial production.
Eurocopter was formed in the early 1990s through the merger of several European rotorcraft companies, including Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm. The Bo 108 then formed the basis of Eurocopter’s EC135, which took its maiden flight on February 15, 1994, and entered service in 1996. Eurocopter expanded the design to include a shrouded 10-blade Fenestron tail rotor, advanced composite materials, and an improved 4-blade main rotor system. Eurocopter continued to refine the EC135 in the 2000s and the 2010s, notably with improvements to its glass cockpit and digital flight controls, creating the EC135 T1. (The EC135, including the EC135 T1 advanced variant, was renamed the H135 when Eurocopter became Airbus Helicopters in 2014.)
A Versatile, Reliable, and Powerful Performer
A wide range of rotary-wing users rely on the EC135 for several demanding applications due to its versatility, reliability, and quiet operation. It is equally effective in a dense urban environment, performing maritime duties, or rescuing lost hikers deep in glaciated mountains.
The EC135 T1 version of the EC135 measures 33 feet, 6 inches in length, stands 11 feet, 6 inches tall, and has a main rotor diameter of 33 feet, 6 inches. It is powered by two Turbomeca Arrius 2B1A1 turboshaft engines that each deliver up to 583 shaft horsepower. It has a range of 395 miles, a cruising speed of 158 miles per hour, and a top speed of 178 mph. Its service ceiling is 17,150 feet above sea level and it climbs at 1,500 feet per minute.
The Microsoft Flight Simulator Eurocopter EC135
Microsoft Flight Simulator’s Eurocopter EC135 is ready for aviators to operate throughout the worlds of Microsoft Flight Simulator and Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. It is available today for with the following liveries: Blue-White, Yellow-Grey, Black-Red, Tan-Blue, Denim-White, Green-White, Orange-Red, Dark-White, Grey-White, Blue-Green. Download it today. The sky is calling!
The Microsoft Flight Simulator Eurocopter EC 135 is the last of the four aircraft the team promised to Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 consumers as a “make good” for their patience with the issues encountered during the launch. The helicopter is available today for free to all owners of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. The sky is calling!
Microsoft Flight Simulator and Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 are available for Xbox Series X|S and PC with Xbox Game Pass, PC Game Pass, Windows, and Steam, and on Xbox One and supported mobile phones, tablets, and lower-spec PCs via Xbox Cloud Gaming. For the latest information on Microsoft Flight Simulator products, stay tuned to @MSFSOfficial on X (formerly Twitter) or visit www.flightsimulator.com.