Design
The EC-635 is a development of the EC-135, which is structurally similar, and also uses Eurocopter's patented low-noise culvert tail rotor; a fiber-reinforced composite, four-slice, bearingless main rotor system, which provides the helicopter with a high degree of maneuverability coupled with a very low noise signature.
Cockpit
The helicopter is equipped with a glassed-in cockpit from Telus Avionics and SFI Millimetre Ghas, an air data computer, an SFIM automatic flight control system and a global positioning system. It is capable of being fitted with a color weather radar and a secure voice and data communication system according to the requirements of the customer's country.
Weapons Systems
The helicopter can carry a full range of electronic warfare and weapons systems, including air-to-air missiles, rocket launchers, an internal gun or an external gun pod.
Options include foil and tracer launchers, missile launch detection systems and night vision compatible cockpit lighting.
Combat search and rescue
The EC-635 is essentially identical to the EC-135 in terms of combat search and rescue, with the helicopter capable of carrying two stretcher patients and up to three crew members. Different medical equipment is fitted according to mission requirements. The helicopter is equipped with large side sliding doors and a tail flap hatch. There are also lifting winches, load reflectors and a dual hook system.
The standard EC-635 General Purpose carries one or two pilots and six or seven fully equipped soldiers. The passenger cabin is quick-access and the exit is equipped with a large sliding door. Storage cargo can be loaded through the aft hinged flap door.
The EC-635 helicopter for surveillance missions can be fitted with a set of underfuselage-mounted surveillance pods with day/night channels, forward-looking infrared, a multi-sensor turret and SX-16 searchlights. It is capable of installing a television and video recording system in the passenger cabin. It is also possible to install cabin doors and observation windows for monitoring operations.
Performance
The EC-635 helicopter has a maximum speed of 259 kilometers per hour and a range of 620 kilometers on standard fuel tanks. An additional fuel tank can be used to increase the range to 880 kilometers. The helicopter has a maximum altitude of 3,050 meters, a climb rate of 457 meters per minute, and a maximum takeoff weight of 2,835 kilograms.
Engine
The EC-635 is identical to the EC135 in terms of power, offering a choice of two models fitted with different engines: the EC635T1 model is powered by a Turbomeca Arrius 2B2 engine rated at 417 kilowatts of continuous power, and the other model, the EC635P1, is powered by a Pratt & Whitney Canada Inc. PW206B2 engine rated at 419 kW continuous power. The standard fuel tank capacity of 673 liters provides a range of 620 kilometers. An additional fuel tank can be installed to extend the range to 880 kilometers for customer choice.