YAKUTSK. Feb 17 (Interfax-AVN) - Certification tests of Eurocopter's EC135 Eurocopter in below freezing temperatures in Yakutia ended in failure, a source in the regional aviation administration told Interfax-AVN.
"The testing was conducted in compliance with the standards of the Interstate Aviation Committee's Aviation Registry, which are very rigorous. The engine was to be started in severe frost without a prior warm up. The actual temperature was minus 47 decrees, Celsius. After the engine was started an indicator showed the presence of chips in the lubricant system of the gear system. The testing was cut short," he said.
In order to conduct the testing Eurocopter rented An EC135 helicopter from Gazpromavia, he also said.
"The helicopter has been repaired and returned to the customer. Eurocopter plans to continue testing," the source said.
The EC135 is a light twin-engine multirole helicopter, produced by a French-German-Spanish group, Eurocopter. It is highly reliable, and has a low noise and vibration levels. It is also highly maneuverable. The fenestron tail rotor allows the helicopter to land on unprepared airfields.
Eurocopter Group is part of EADS, a global leader in the aerospace and defense sector, and a leading provider of accompanying services.