SGGAC

Eurocopter has received a firm order from China’s leading helicopter operator in the power and electricity sectors, State Grid General Aviation Company (SGGAC), for one EC225 and two AS350 B3e rotorcraft.

SGGAC, the wholly-owned subsidiary of State Grid Corporation of China, will use the new helicopters to support the country’s electrical grid development and build its business into other airlift duties.

SGGAC is currently widening its helicopter business scope into aerial survey, emergency rescue, passenger and freight transportation, infrastructure construction and scientific experimentation.

The new AS350 B3e helicopters are expected to be delivered to SGGAC later this year for deployment in power line survey missions and in transportation duties, while the EC225 is scheduled to be delivered in 2015 for use in multi-role missions, including utility and emergency rescue.

Eurocopter Asia-Pacific senior vice-president Norbert Ducrot said that the new acquisitions would augment SGGAC’s capabilities in servicing State Grid Corporation’s coverage of the country’s electrical and power lines.

“Eurocopter is ready to continue our partnership in assisting SGGAC’s implementation of its ambitious expansion strategy throughout China,” Ducrot added.

SGGAC General Manager Zou Ben Guo added: “With SGGAC growing its helicopter fleet and capabilities, we look forward to expanding on the mutual trust and our win-win partnership with Eurocopter, thereby preparing the future of China’s general aviation together.”

The agreement expands a multi-year relationship, during which Eurocopter has become one of SGGAC’s most important aircraft and services provider.

“Eurocopter is ready to continue its partnership in assisting SGGAC’s implementation of its ambitious expansion strategy throughout China.”

Eurocopter provided SGGAC with a single-engine light AS350 B3 helicopter that helped complete the Qinghai-Tibet AC-DC Interconnection Project plateau line, with the aircraft setting a 5,350m altitude for helicopter-based power line support operations.

SGGAC has been operating two AS350 B3e rotorcraft since 2012 for power line activities.

The AS350 B3e is the enhanced version of the Eurocopter’s Ecureuil light helicopter series, which is a recognised lightweight helicopter product line in China with 36 aircraft in operation to date.

The EC225 incorporates the company’s technological innovations in a capable 11t category helicopter, and there are currently around 30 EC225 and Super Puma family rotorcraft in China.

For the future use of helicopters in China’s electrical and power grid, Eurocopter is expected to apply its teaming arrangement with France’s Réseau de Transport d’Electricité national electricity network to provide and implement new helicopter power line maintenance procedures and techniques.

Image: The officials of Eurocopter and China’s State Grid General Aviation Company (SGGAC) at a ceremony to mark the deal for EC225 and AS350 B3e rotorcraft. Photo: courtesy of Eurocopter China.

Defence Technology