Eurocopter EC120 Colibri Facts for Kids

Eurocopter EC120 Colibri registered in France.

The Eurocopter EC120 Colibri is a small, light helicopter. It was designed and built by Airbus Helicopters (which used to be called Eurocopter). This helicopter was created with help from France, Germany, China, and Singapore. The name "Colibri" is French for "hummingbird". It's a fitting name because it's a nimble and quick helicopter! The very first EC120 Colibri flew in 1995.

What makes the Colibri special?
Who uses the Colibri?
Images for kids
See also

What makes the Colibri special?

The EC120 Colibri has some clever features that make it stand out. One important part is its special tail rotor. This is called a fenestron. Instead of being open like a regular tail rotor, the fenestron is built into the tail. This makes the helicopter quieter and safer, especially when it's on the ground.

The Colibri also has a wide cabin. This means there's lots of space inside for passengers or cargo. It's designed to be easy to fly, which is why many pilots learn on it. It also has a powerful engine that helps it fly smoothly.

Who uses the Colibri?

The EC120 Colibri is used for many different jobs around the world.

Training: Many countries, like China, France, and Spain, use the Colibri to train new helicopter pilots for their air forces. Its simple controls make it great for learning.
Police and emergency services: Some police departments use the Colibri for patrols. Its good visibility and ability to hover make it useful for spotting things from above.
Private travel: Because it's comfortable and easy to fly, some people use the Colibri for private transport.
Tourism: You might even see a Colibri taking people on scenic tours, offering amazing views from the sky.

This helicopter is known for being reliable and good for many different tasks.