Eurocopter EC 135

Role	Light utility helicopter
National origin	Germany
Manufacturer	Eurocopter Airbus Helicopters
First flight	15 February 1994
Produced	over 1000 (2011)
Unit cost	~US$4.2M, €3M
Variants	Eurocopter EC635						The EC135 started development prior to the formation of Eurocopter under Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm (MBB) under the designation Bo 108 by MBB in the 1970s. Working in partnership with Aerospatiale, the Bo 108 was initially intended to be a technology demonstrator, combining attributes of the successful MBB Bo 105 with new advances and an aerodynamically streamlined design. Technologies included on the Bo 108 included the first full-authority digital engine controls (FADEC) on a helicopter, a bearingless main rotor, and the adoption of a new transmission. The first prototype made its first flight on 17 October 1988, powered by two Allison 250-C20R/1 engines. A second BO 108 followed on 5 June 1991, this time with two Turboméca TM319-1B Arrius engines; unlike later production aircraft, both technology demonstrators flew with conventional tail rotors.  clik here >>>