The first EC635 destined for the Swiss Air Force was handed over to the Swiss federal procurement, technology and real estate centre armasuisse at the Eurocopter factory in Donauwörth on 7 March. Thanks to excellent and intensive cooperation with the customer, this first delivery took place two weeks prior to the contractually agreed deadline. This means that the Swiss Light Transport and Training Helicopter (LTSH) programme is running well on schedule. The contract, signed in April 2006, provides for the delivery of a total of 18 EC635 transport and training helicopters, plus two EC135s for the army’s air transport service. The EC635/EC135s will replace the Swiss air force’s Alouette III helicopters.

Delivery of all helicopters will be completed by early 2010. The first four aircraft will be manufactured at the Donauwörth Eurocopter plant, while the final assembly of the remaining 16 EC635s will be performed by RUAG Aerospace in Alpnach, Switzerland, and the helicopters will be delivered from there. During the entire life cycle, RUAG Aerospace will also be responsible for maintenance levels I and D of the Swiss air force’s EC635s/135s.

The EC635, which was certified in 2001, is the military version of the highly successful, light twin-engine EC135 chopper. It is among the most versatile helicopters currently available on the market. The EC635 is designed for military and paramilitary deployments and public security operations including search and rescue missions, troop transport, observation, reconnaissance, training, and supply from the air. In addition, the EC635 is ideally suited for assistance during catastrophes, for humanitarian missions, for medevac purposes and to transport cargo, medical supplies and food.

The interior furnishings of the helicopter can be easily changed. Users can select different seat layouts, or install medical equipment. The spacious 4.6 cubic-meter cabin is obstacle-free. Access to the cabin is through two lateral sliding doors or through two large rear doors – a feature that no competitor offers. Loading and unloading can be performed under totally safe conditions thanks to the two rear doors and the enclosed Fenestron™ tail rotor.

The top qualities of the EC635 include its outstanding effectiveness during operations, its ability to carry out day- or night-time missions including operations requiring night-vision goggles (NVG), and its high performance and modern maintenance concept. The on-condition maintenance principle applies to most of the main components, which maximizes availability for service. The first scheduled maintenance is due after 400 flight hours.