ROME - Italian electrical transmission grid operator Terna has taken delivery of two Airbus Helicopters AS350 B3e single-engine rotorcraft to perform surveillance and maintenance support for power lines.

These two Ecureuil family helicopters were delivered by Airbus Helicopter's long term Italian distributor, Aersud Elicotteri, who won Terna's tender and will retrofit some of the equipment required by the customer. The new aircraft provide Terna with its own resources to conduct airborne operations, enabling the company to provide such services rather than relying on subcontractors.

Terna is the leading independent European company in distance of electrical lines managed, and ranks sixth worldwide. Through its Terna Rete Italia subsidiary, it manages a national transmission grid encompassing more than 63,500 kilometers (39,457 miles) of high voltage lines.

The deployment of helicopters for surveillance and maintenance of electrical transmission grids provides multiple advantages, including the ability to visually inspect approximately 300 kilometers (186 miles) of power lines daily, a quick-reaction capability in detecting and evaluating failure or problems, and the ability to reach difficult or inaccessible areas - all while minimizing the environmental impact.

The enhanced AS350 B3e version includes the more powerful Turbomeca Arriel 2D engine with a longer lifecycle and lower maintenance costs, a new FADEC (Full Authority Digital Engine Control), avionics that feature Airbus Helicopters' VEMD (Vehicle Engine Multifunction Display) and engine data recorder, along with an improved interior design and tail rotor modifications for additional ease of piloting.

Source: Airbus Helicopters