News
Wood Buffalo Helicopters selects AS350 B3e
February 13, 2012 By Carey Fredericks
Feb. 13, 2012, Dallas, Tx. - The delivery of an AS350 B3e by Eurocopter Canada Limited (ECL) marks Wood Buffalo Helicopters’ sixth purchase of Eurocopter aircraft for its growing fleet. The AS350 B3e will assist Wood Buffalo with a range of missions alongside 4 AS350 B2 and 2 EC120 aircraft.
“We are continuously impressed by Eurocopter products and support,” said Michael Morin, President & CEO, Wood Buffalo Helicopters. “From their Sales and Tech Reps to Spares Support, we always receive prompt service from the entire Eurocopter Canada team. Quality is reflected through both their customer care and products, providing us with the tools we need to service our clients more effectively.”
The AS350 B3e provides additional lifting power, which will assist Wood Buffalo clientele with drill moves, fire suppression, environmental monitoring support, oil field surveying and external load missions. The refined engine design will improve TBO, as well as ongoing operating costs.
“We look forward to helping Wood Buffalo Helicopters grow its business through enhanced value and service with their recent purchase of an AS350 B3e,” said Guy Joannes, President & CEO, ECL. “The AS350 B3e provides dual hydraulics and innovative safety features that are essential when providing service to the important Oil and Gas industry.”
The commonalities found between the AS350 B3e, the AS350 B2 and the EC120 will allow Wood Buffalo to streamline its Pilot and AME training through lower time and cost maintenance.
The AS350 B3e is a high-performance helicopter capable of carrying out the most demanding missions in extreme weather and geographical conditions. Features of the AS350 B3e include the Turbomeca Arriel 2D turboshaft engine with a new-generation digital FADEC (Full Authority Digital Engine Control) and an engine data recorder for condition monitoring.
An enhanced version of Eurocopter’s single-engine AS350 B3, the AS350 B3e has exceptional lifting capability, high endurance, extended range and fast cruise speed, making it the leader in its class. Eurocopter’s application of composite materials for the helicopter’s airframe, rotors and main rotor head gives the AS350 B3e the best protection against corrosion, thereby reducing maintenance costs. The integration of Eurocopter’s dual-screen Vehicle and Engine Multifunction Display (VEMD) in the cockpit allows pilots to check primary aircraft and engine parameters in one glance – thus reducing workload and enhancing safety.
