Eurocopter EC130 facts for kids

The Eurocopter EC130 is a special kind of helicopter made in France. It's designed for everyday use by people and businesses, not for the military. This helicopter is the newest model in a family of helicopters called the Ecureuil series.

When it was first designed, it was known as the AS-350B4. But later, its name was changed to EC130B4. This helicopter is built completely out of metal, making it strong and durable. It uses a single, powerful engine called a turboshaft engine to fly. Some of these helicopters are even used by U.S. police forces to help them with their work.

How the EC130 Was Designed

The EC130 helicopter was created by a company called Eurocopter. It was planned as an improved version of an older helicopter. At first, it was given the name AS-350B4. This shows it was part of the AS-350 family of helicopters.

Later, the company decided to give it a new name, EC130B4. This new name helped it stand out as a unique model. The design focused on making it quiet and comfortable, especially for carrying passengers.

What Makes the EC130 Special?

The EC130 is known for a few key features. It has a special tail rotor called a "Fenestron." This is a fan-like tail rotor that is enclosed within the tail fin. It makes the helicopter quieter and safer, especially when it's on the ground.

The helicopter is also built entirely from metal. This makes it very strong and reliable. It has a single turboshaft engine, which is a type of jet engine that powers the main rotor blades. This engine gives the EC130 enough power to carry passengers and cargo.

What is the EC130 Used For?

The EC130 is a very popular helicopter for many different jobs. Because it's quiet and has great views from its large windows, it's often used for tourism. Many companies use it to take people on scenic flights, like over the Grand Canyon.

It's also used for other important tasks. Some police departments in the United States use the EC130. They use it for things like watching over traffic, searching for missing people, or helping out during emergencies. Its ability to fly smoothly and quietly makes it good for these kinds of jobs.

Images for kids

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  A Maverick EC130 flying over the Grand Canyon.

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  A Helibrás EC130 B4 from 2011. Helibrás is a Brazilian helicopter company.

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  An EC130 helicopter from Skyheli Ltd.

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  An Impress Aviation Eurocopter EC-130B4.

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  An EC130 B4 from Microflite Helicopter Services in Victoria, Australia.

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  The cockpit of an EC130 helicopter. This is where the pilot sits and controls the aircraft.

See also

In Spanish: Eurocopter EC130 para niños