MARIGNANE, France - The redesigned vertical bevel gear shaft for Airbus Helicopters' EC225 has been certified by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). Certification by EASA will be followed by validation from other international airworthiness authorities.
The new design eliminates all three factors that, in combination, had caused two unexpected vertical shaft ruptures. It provides corrosion resistance, compensates for residual stress and eliminates stress hot spots. Aircraft in service will be retrofitted with the new shaft, and installation on aircraft in the production pipeline will begin in the second quarter of 2014.
Following two EC225 controlled ditchings in the North Sea in 2012 and the suspension of part of the aircraft's fleet, precautionary and preventive measures were developed by Airbus Helicopters and successfully implemented by operators, leading to a full return to service.
"Airbus Helicopters has put a very high priority on developing this new shaft for the EC225. EASA’s certification is a major milestone towards getting our customers flying with the final solution," said Jean-Brice Dumont, Airbus Helicopters’ Executive Vice President - Engineering.
More than 200 EC225/725s have been delivered to 35 operators, accumulating more than 350,000 flight hours.
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