Eurocopter EC130 B4

Eurocopter EC130 B4 / EC130 T2
Type	Helicopter, Civil aircraft
Manufacturer	Eurocopter
Author(s)	Heiko Schulz (Basic 3d-model, FDM, Nasal Scripts); Melchior Franz (Nasal); Michael Habarta (Model details, Animations, Liveries, Configuration Menu, Debugging); FlightGear Community (help and support);
FDM	YASim
--aircraft=	ec130b4; ec130t2
Status	Production
FDM
Systems
Cockpit
Model
Development
Website
Repository
Download
License	GPLv2+
	v; t; e;

There is a category with screenshots of the Eurocopter EC130.

This is a model of the Eurocopter EC130 B4 / EC130 T2 (H130), a single engine light helicopter based on and developed from the AS350's.

Introduction

The Real Thing

Indeed “EC130 B4” is just a marketing name by Eurocopter, now known as Airbus Helicopters, the real name is still AS350 B4”. It is a widebody variant of the “AS350 B3” with a completely new designed passenger cabin and fuselage and rotor and hydraulics system from the AS355. It is also equipped with a fan tail (fenestron) instead of the conventional two-blade tailrotor. With this the “EC130 B4” is much less noisier than other helicopters of this class.

The helicopter was designed especially for tours, so it features a great visibility, a left-seated pilot and plenty of space inside. The “EC130 B4” is also used by the police in Long Beach/CA and by several medical services.

The “EC130 B4” has been built until 2013. As of 2014 it is replaced by the improved “EC130 T2”, which was renamed to “H130” in 2015. It has a new and more powerful Turbomeca Arriel 2D engine and a 70% modified airframe. The exterior, cockpit and interior has been also modified.^[1]

↑ H130(EC130 T2). Published by www.airbushelicopters.com.

The FlightGear Model

This model of the “EC130 B4/H130” was built using very detailed drawings, the Pilots Flight Manual and pilot reports.

Flight Manual

Panel Overview

The FlightGear model of the EC130 B4 features the standard panel delivered ex works without any additional customer whishes.

Apart from the missing functions mentioned above it is a fully working helicopter cockpit.

Limitations

Type of Operation: Helicopter is approved to operate Day and Night VFR only.

The following is not allowed:

Aerobatics maneuvers
in flight engine power reduction except for engine failure trainings and other emergency procedure trainings

Occupants

Minimum flight crew:..................................................................................1 pilot (left seated)

Maximum number of occupants:...................................................................7- 8 passengers

Weight and Balance Limitations

Minimum weight:.........................................................................................3015lbs (1368kg) B4 / 3159lbs (1433kg) T2

Maximum weight:........................................................................................5350lbs (2427kg) B4 / 5512lbs (2500kg) T2

Airspeed limitations

VNE Power on:...........................................................................................................155 ktn

VNE Power off:...........................................................................................................125 ktn

Altitude Limitations

Maximum operating flight altitude:...............................................................23000ft (7000m)

Main rotor Limits

<170 rpm:............................................................................................ rotor brake operation

320 rpm.....................................................................................minimum rotor rpm power off

320- 375 rpm..................................................................................................Caution Range

375-405 rpm....................................................................................normal Operating Range

405-430 rpm...................................................................................................Caution Range

430 rpm …...............................................................................maximum rotor rpm power off

Low Rotor rpm aural warning < 360 rpm

High Rotor rpm aural warning > 410 rpm

Warning Panel

Still uncompleted and especially failures indicated on the panel keeps mostly without any follow-up.

ENG P lights up
Indication	low oil pressure
Procedure	check gauge and land as soon as possible
TWT Grip lights up
Indication	twist grip not in flight position - engine idles
Procedure	set twist throttle into flight position
MGB P lights up
Indication	Main gear box oil pressure
Procedure	check gauge and land as soon as possible
FUEL lights up
Indication	low fuel
Procedure	approx. 15min of flight time remain
FUEL P lights up
Indication	low fuel pressure
Procedure	switch on Boost pump

Helpful Usage Hints for Simulation

Livery of Grand Canyon Helicopters

Livery of Blue Hawaiian Helicopters

Besides the above documentation there is a lot of additional help available from within Flightgear.

Heli Setup

Configuration and Help-Dialog (Alt-o)
- choose the desired Livery (Heli-Operator)
- configure the Equipment
  - Baskets
  - Searchlight
  - Cargo Hook, ...
- set Fuel and Payload
  - fuel amount
  - passengers
  - other payload like luggage
- activate/deactivate Specific Views
--> see Menu: EC130-B4 or H130/Configuration (Livery,Payload,...)

Heli Usage

Info about the Heli-Operator --> see Menu: EC130-B4 or H130/Operator/Model Info (Alt-i)
Tutorials guide through the preparation and startup process --> see Menu: Help/Tutorials
Checklists based on pilot handbook help to follow standard procedures --> see Menu: Help/Aircraft Checklists
Autostart/Autoshutdown available after 5 flights --> see Menu: EC130-B4 or H130/Autostart or Autoshutdown
Shortcuts and general Info --> see Menu: Help/Aircraft Help