Eurocopter presents a collectable art helicopter at the Monaco Yacht Show based on the twin-engine EC135

[EADS Space Transportation - 23.09.2013] Eurocopter presents a "collectable art helicopter at the Monaco Yacht Show based on the twin-engine EC135

It is an eye-catching world-premiere in a blue and white Zig-Zag design: At this weeks Monaco Yacht Show, Eurocopter will exhibit a "collectable art helicopter aboard the Quattroelle, an 86-meter Lürssen yacht, with the EC135s cabin interior and exterior paint scheme designed by German artist Rita Weber.
The project for this original art-inspired rotorcraft began with the idea of creating something unique and different in the vertical lift marketplace. Its result is an exceptional design combination that creates a link between the helicopter and yacht. Thanks to its exterior blue-white pattern with integrated lighting, the EC135s appearance changes, depending on the observers perspective.
"A helicopter doesnt have to be just a technical accessory; it also can be a work of art, explained Weber, who came up with the design concept. "My Zig-Zag design respects the external lines of the EC135, but creates a unique helicopter. To provide an optical tie-in between the helicopter and its ocean-going environment, yacht-builder Lürssen adapted and applied the Zig-Zag design to the Quattroelles helipad. Rita Weber calls this the "footprint on deck, which underscores the link between yacht and helicopter, even when the rotorcraft is airborne and away from the vessel.
"Rita Webers design idea is extremely original and attractive, said Thomas Hein, Eurocopter Vice President for Sales and Customer Relations - Europe. "In bringing together the helicopters unique configuration with the helidecks paint scheme, we have an art concept that takes the helicopter into a new dimension.
The EC135 Zig-Zags "wow effect extends into the cabin, which features an exclusive interior. It combines high-class materials from well-known international designers: the silk carpet is provided by Tai Ping; the leather in fuchsia from Foglizzo; and the cashmere covering the interior wall is by Loro Piana.
Eurocopter has the widest range of helicopters tailored for private and business aviation, and has been the leader in these sectors during the past five years with a market share of 43 percent.
The EC135 is a powerful, twin-engine lightweight helicopter combining a spacious cabin, ample storage compartment, unobstructed flat floors, room for up to five passengers and pilot, and lateral sliding doors. Moreover, the aircraft has a low noise signature, allowing it to operate both day and night in the urban environment. To date, over 1,100 EC135s have been sold, winning praise from customers around the world who work in business aviation and other varied applications that include medical evacuation, offshore and public service missions.

About Eurocopter
Established in 1992, the Franco-German-Spanish Eurocopter Group is a division of EADS, a world leader in aerospace and defense-related services. The Eurocopter Group employs approximately 22,000 people. In 2012, Eurocopter confirmed its position as the worlds No. 1 helicopter manufacturer with a turnover of 6.3 billion Euros, orders for 469 new helicopters and a 44 percent market share in the civil and parapublic sectors. Overall, the Groups helicopters account for 33 percent of the worldwide civil and parapublic fleet. Eurocopters strong international presence is ensured by its subsidiaries and participations in 21 countries. Eurocopters worldwide network of service centers, training facilities, distributors and certified agents supports more than 2,900 customers. There are currently more than 11,780 Eurocopter helicopters in service in 148 countries. Eurocopter offers the most comprehensive civil and military helicopter range in the world and is fully committed to safety as the most important aspect of its business.

For further information please contact:
Stéphane CHERY
Head of International Media Relations
Eurocopter
Tel.: +33 4 42 85 60 51
Fax: +33 4 42 85 89 70
Pascale Fleury
Media Relations France, Eastern and Central Europe, Middle East
Africa
Eurocopter
Tel.: +33 4 42 85 62 38
Fax: +33 4 42 85 89 70
Cell: +33 6 32 54 05 02
Gloria Illas
Media Relations Latin America
Southern Europe
Eurocopter
Tel.: +33 4 42 85 58 89
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Priscilla Yip
External Communications Asia Pacific
Eurocopter
Tel.: + 65 6 59 27 217
Fax: + 65 6 65 90 872
Julia Sailer
Eurocopter Germany
Eurocopter
Tel.: +49 (0) 906 71 21 29
Fax: +49 (0) 906 71 39 39