H120 / EC120 Colibri

The EC120 Colibri has its origins in the P120, a proposal by French helicopter manufacturer Aérospatiale intended to replace both their Aérospatiale Gazelle and Aérospatiale SA 315B Lama single engine helicopters. During the 1980s, Aérospatiale sought international partners to co-produce the P120, including aerospace companies in China and Singapore. On 20 October 1992, a joint development contract was signed by Eurocopter, China National Aero-Technology Import & Export Corporation (CATIC) and Singapore Aerospace Ltd (STAero). Under the agreement, Eurocopter held a 61% controlling interest, CATIC a 24% work share, and STAero a 15% work share. CATIC designed and produced the cabin structure and fuel system, STAero produced the tail boom, access doors, and composite materials, while Eurocopter produced the dynamic assemblies, installed the avionics, electrical and hydraulic systems, and conducted the final assembly. On 9 June 1995, the first prototype EC120 Colibri conducted its maiden flight, and was formally launched in February 1997.

Design

The EC120B Colibri is a single-engine multimission helicopter, designed for safe, simple, and cost-effective operations. It incorporates the three-bladed Speriflex main rotor head and the eight-bladed fenestron anti-torque tail rotor, contributing to a low noise signature. The aircraft's design meets JAR/FAR 27 standards, including an energy-attenuating main structure, energy-absorbent seats, and a crash-resistant fuel system. The ergonomic cabin accommodates a pilot and four passengers, suitable for various missions, including utility and offshore transport, training, law enforcement, casualty evacuation, and corporate transport. For cargo operations, the EC120B offers a flat, unobstructed cabin floor. The twin-screen vehicle and engine multifunction display (VEMD) provides control and monitoring of the rotorcraft, reducing pilot workload. A wide range of optional equipment can be installed, including a wire strike protection system and air conditioning.

Operational History

The EC120B is primarily a utility helicopter. Its payload capacity is 755 kg (1,664 lb), which can be utilized for carrying personnel or cargo depending on the mission requirements. The helicopter can also support a maximum slung load of 700 kg (1,543 lb) for external cargo operations. The EC120B saw its first delivery in 1998, and by 2008, over 550 Colibris had been delivered worldwide. In 2004, the United States Department of Homeland Security U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) selected the EC120B to meet its Light Sign Cutter requirement. The CBP ordered 15 EC120B helicopters in 2006, with five more subsequently ordered. The Spanish Air and Space Force utilizes the EC120 as a rotary-wing trainer. In 2003, the Spanish Air and Space Force formed an aerobatic display team using the type. In January 2008, the French Defense Ministry selected the EC120 as the French Army's new rotary-wing trainer. Since 2011, EC120s have been operated by the traffic police of Kurdistan, Iraq, for surveillance and rescue missions. The aircraft has served in training, law enforcement, and light utility capacities across various global operators.

Variants

Main Variants:

• EC120B Colibri: This is the standard designation for the primary production model of the helicopter.

• HC120: This variant represents the Chinese-built version of the EC120, manufactured by Harbin Aircraft Manufacturing Corporation (HAMC).

• H120 Technology demonstrator: A modified H120 airframe was used to test the HIPE AE440 high-compression aircraft diesel engine within an environmental research program.

• P120L prototype: This was the prototype designation of the design before the type was redesignated as the EC120 Colibri.