Features Aircraft Innovations
Eurocopter to introduce a new era in helicopter flight

March 7, 2011 – Eurocopter will unveil its newest helicopter and launch a
comprehensive enhancement of the existing product line at Heli-Expo
2011 exposition in Orlando, Florida, underscoring the company’s
commitment to innovation for the improved operating performance,
efficiency and maintainability of its rotary- wing aircraft.

The new helicopter is to be revealed at Eurocopter’s exhibit stand
(#4637) at 11:30 a.m. on the March 6 opening day of Heli-Expo 2011,
during a ceremony led by Eurocopter President & CEO Lutz Bertling.
Agreements with multiple launch customers also will be announced.

Enhancements for Eurocopter’s product line involve multiple members of
its helicopter family. All improvements introduced on these rotary-wing
aircraft – which carry the “e” designation for “enhanced” – are designed
to significantly augment their cost- effectiveness, mission capability
and ease of operation.

“Our continued commitment to invest in innovation has enabled Eurocopter
to launch the newest member of our helicopter family while implementing
in parallel significant evolutions of Eurocopter’s inventory, which
will provide more capable products for customers and further improve our
and their competiveness,” said Bertling.

Featured on Eurocopter’s Heli-Expo 2011 exhibit stand is one of these
enhanced helicopters – the single-engine AS350 B3e, which is being shown
in its corporate/VIP configuration. The updated version of Eurocopter’s
best-selling Ecureuil family incorporates a more powerful Turbomeca
Arriel 2D turboshaft engine, along with a new-generation digital FADEC
(Full Authority Digital Engine Control) and an engine data recorder for
condition monitoring.

The AS350 B3e features an improved interior design, as well as tail
rotor modifications for additional ease of piloting. It also has the
option of operating at the maximum takeoff engine power rating for 30
minutes, and can be equipped with optional engine filters for additional
protection during flight in sand and snow conditions without weight
penalty. Certification of the AS350 B3e is targeted for this summer,
with deliveries beginning before year-end.

Also spotlighted at Heli-Expo will be a full-scale mockup of
Eurocopter’s latest helicopter product – the EC175, displayed in its
configuration for oil and gas transportation missions.

Flight
testing with two EC175 prototypes has surpassed the 100-flight hour
milestone, demonstrating the aircraft’s excellent handling qualities and
low internal vibration levels. The initial production helicopter for
this seven-metric-ton rotary-wing aircraft – being developed in a joint
program with the Aviation Industry.

Corporation of China (AVIC) – is currently being assembled at
Eurocopter’s facility in Marignane, France. The first EC175 deliveries
are scheduled to begin in 2012, following type certification.
Included as well on the Eurocopter Heli-Expo 2011 exhibit stand will be
an EC130 B4 helicopter in the emergency medical services (EMS)
configuration, and an EC135 with a corporate/VIP cabin arrangement.

Another element of Eurocopter’s Heli-Expo 2011 presence will highlight
achievements with the company’s innovative X3 hybrid helicopter
demonstrator, which has attained a true airspeed of 180 kt (333 km/hr)
in level flight during its first phase of testing. The second phase will
begin in the coming months, with the goal of achieving sustained cruise
speeds in excess of 220 kt. The X3 is a key element in Eurocopter’s
innovation roadmap, providing a system tailored to applications where
operational costs, flight duration and mission success depend directly
on the maximum cruising speed. With an increase in cruise speed of more
than 50% and life cycle costs not climbing more than 25%, the X3 will be
an extremely productive solution for our customers.

Additional information on Eurocopter’s innovation will be provided
during Heli-Expo 2011, along with updates on its bluecopter® technology
program for more environmentally-friendly helicopters, as well as
details on the company’s expanding training and logistics offer.

Eurocopter’s commitment to providing value-added support and services
will be highlighted with presentations on topics such as its worldwide
maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) capabilities; customized
maintenance support programs and dedicated logistic field
representatives.

To follow Eurocopter’s daily announcements at this major helicopter
industry gathering, visit its dedicated Heli-Expo 2011 mini website at: http://events.eurocopter.com/ .