Patrulla ASPA

About the Aircraft

The Airbus Helicopters EC120 Colibri, formerly known as the Eurocopter EC120 Colibri, is a five-seat, single-engine light utility helicopter designed for a wide range of civilian and parapublic missions. The name “Colibri,” meaning “hummingbird” in French, aptly reflects its compact size and agility. The EC120 incorporates Eurocopter’s advanced technologies, including the three-bladed Speriflex main rotor head and the eight-bladed fenestron anti-torque tail rotor, which contribute to its notably low noise signature—6.7 decibels below International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) limits. This helicopter is recognized for having the lowest operating costs in its class and is the only single-engine rotorcraft certified to JAR/FAR 27 standards as of 2014, featuring an energy-attenuating main structure, energy-absorbent seats, and a crash-resistant fuel system.

The design of the EC120 emphasizes safety, simplicity, and cost-effectiveness. Its ergonomic cabin offers high levels of external visibility and can accommodate a single pilot along with four passengers in typical configurations. The cabin layout is versatile, making it suitable for various roles such as utility transport, offshore operations, training, law enforcement, casualty evacuation, and corporate transport. For cargo operations, the EC120 can carry up to 2.94 cubic meters of useful load, which can be distributed between the cabin and an externally accessible hold. Additionally, the helicopter can be equipped with optional features like a cargo sling, emergency flotation gear, and advanced avionics to enhance its functionality and adaptability to different mission requirements.

Operational ease and safety are further enhanced by the EC120’s advanced avionics suite, which includes a twin-screen vehicle and engine multifunction display (VEMD). This system simplifies the monitoring and control of various helicopter functions, thereby reducing pilot workload and increasing overall safety. The flight controls are primarily installed on the right-hand side, with options for dual or left-hand configurations to suit different operational needs. The EC120 has also been adapted for military use, particularly for training and light utility missions, thanks to its responsive control systems, modern instrumentation, compact size, and excellent cabin visibility. These features make the EC120 a versatile and reliable choice for a variety of operational contexts.

Did You Know?

• The Patrulla ASPA was formed on September 23, 2003, making it a relatively young team within the Spanish Air Force.
• The Patrulla ASPA is known for performing loops during their solo displays, a maneuver that is not commonly executed by helicopters.
• The team’s first international airshow took place in Évora, Portugal, in 2005 during the Portugal Air Show.
• The Eurocopter EC 120B Colibri helicopters used by the Patrulla ASPA are equipped with white smoke generators, enhancing the visual effects of their displays.
• Each helicopter in the Patrulla ASPA is operated by two pilots who also serve as flight instructors at the Air Force Helicopter School.

EC120 History

The development of the EC120 Colibri originated from the P120 proposal by the French helicopter manufacturer Aérospatiale, aiming to replace older single-engine helicopters such as the Gazelle and SA 315B Lama. Throughout the 1980s, Aérospatiale sought international partnerships to co-produce the P120, engaging potential collaborators from China, Singapore, and Australia. However, geopolitical tensions, particularly the Chinese government’s crackdown on the Tiananmen Square protests in 1989, led to speculation about the exclusion of Chinese involvement in the project. Despite these challenges, a joint development contract was signed on October 20, 1992, between Eurocopter (the newly formed entity from Aérospatiale), China National Aero-Technology Import & Export Corporation (CATIC), and Singapore Technologies Aerospace Ltd (STAero). Under this agreement, Eurocopter held a 61% controlling interest and led the technical aspects, while CATIC and STAero contributed significantly to the cabin structure, fuel systems, tail boom, access doors, and composite materials.

The first prototype of the EC120 Colibri made its maiden flight on June 9, 1995, marking the commencement of a comprehensive testing phase. By February 1996, the prototype had accumulated 60 flight hours, and a second prototype joined the testing program later that year. The helicopter was officially launched in February 1997 at the Helicopter Association International (HAI) show in Anaheim, California, where it quickly attracted substantial interest, securing over 50 orders by June of the same year. Production rates were increased from four to six helicopters per month by October 1998 as orders surpassed 100. In 2002, Eurocopter established a second assembly line in Brisbane, Australia, to meet growing demand. The partnership with Chinese entities was further strengthened in September 2003 when Eurocopter and China Aviation Industry Corporation II (AVIC II) expanded their collaboration to include co-production with Harbin Aircraft Industry Group (HAIG). A final production agreement in June 2004 granted CATIA and HAIG exclusive market rights in China, leading to the local production of the HC120 variant by Harbin Aircraft Manufacturing Corporation (HAMC).

Despite its innovations and versatile applications, the EC120 program faced challenges in the competitive helicopter market. On November 30, 2017, Airbus Helicopters formally announced the termination of the H120 program, citing low delivery numbers as a primary reason. In 2016, only five H120s were delivered compared to 63 Robinson R-66s, highlighting the EC120’s struggle to compete in the lower end of the market spectrum. Airbus Helicopters decided to shift focus away from this segment, emphasizing more sophisticated rotorcraft that align with their traditional product lineup. Additionally, the EC120 served as a platform for technological advancements, such as the development of a diesel demonstrator under the Green Rotorcraft European Clean Sky Joint Technology Initiative. This initiative aimed to enhance fuel efficiency, reduce emissions, and extend the operational range of the helicopter, showcasing the EC120’s adaptability and contribution to sustainable aviation technologies.