09/25/07
Hermès and Eurocopter fuse style technology in landmark design partnership
Eurocopter and Hermès lift the veil on a singular experiment in
collaborative engineering and design. Introducing ‘l’Hélicoptère par
Hermès’. Exclusively at the 2007 edition of NBAA.
Two companies, each leaders in vividly
contrasting disciplines, have set out to demonstrate that the
helicopter can transcend its traditional role. Drawing on a unique
blend of talents and skills, ‘l’Hélicoptère par Hermès’ is rooted in
a straightforward concept: rise above narrow issues of style versus
engineering, and restore the passenger to a position of pre-eminence.
The baseline for Hermès and Eurocopter was a reappraisal of the
helicopter’s potential as a form of personal transportation, from an
uncompromisingly user-centric point of view. With a determination
to address even the most challenging design issues, ‘l’Hélicoptère
par Hermès’ represents a new approach to the business aviation
marketplace, and a unique opportunity for the partners to expand
their activities into new territories.
“Rotary aircraft offer the crucial missing link in end-to-end
transportation scenarii. It’s the ideal ‘first mile, last mile’ solution
for getting between mid-town and the airport,” explains Eurocopter
Senior Executive Vice President Philippe Harache. “Helicopters,
given their flexibility, are a perfect complement to business jets.While growth in business aviation is robust—with promising upside
potential in both the U.S. and other key markets—it is a segment
that also places an extremely high premium on quality of design.
Given its knowledge, background and expertise in addressing
such demanding audiences, the House of Hermès represented the
indispensable partner required to bring the project to maturity.”
Adds François Taverne, Chairman Hermès Gainier: “This is a
genuine collaboration in industrial design and one that is unusual
given our respective areas of expertise. By working so closely
together, and combining the talent of Eurocopter’s engineers with
that of our designer, Gabriele Pezzini, and our skilled craftsmen,
both companies have taken a major step forward in improving the
experience of travel by helicopter”.
The EC 135, Eurocopter’s best-selling light multimission, twinengined
helicopter, was selected by the new combined team for
its maiden effort. Combining a spacious cabin, ample storage
compartment, unobstructed flat floors, room for four passengers
and pilot, and lateral sliding doors, the EC135 provided an ideal
template for the Hermès designer and craftsmen.
Equally important was the aircraft’s unusually low noise signature,
allowing it to operate both day and night in urban environments.
To date, over 700 examples of the EC135 have been sold, garnering
praise from customers around the world who work in business
aviation and other applications as varied as medevac, offshore,
and public service missions.
Hermès’ distinctive signature is apparent across the aircraft’s design
treatment. A minimalist, yet striking exterior paint scheme immediately
sets the tone. Cognoscenti will notice a complete re-design of the
helicopter’s landing gear, efficiently and elegantly easing access
to the aircraft—just one of many important modifications Hermès
proposed to Eurocopter.
Sliding doors open to reveal an interior configuration that is sober,
light-filled and unexpectedly spacious. The cabin, completely redesigned by Hermès to maximise available space, reflects the
quality and finesse of Hermès’ craftsmen, offering passengers
a pleasing blend of functionality, refinement and comfort.
Surfaces from floor to ceiling have been covered in ‘Toile H’,
a signature Hermès canvas used to manufacture the firm’s
travelware since the nineteen-twenties. Seats and banquette
are handcrafted for exceptional comfort, and upholstered in calf
leathers, naturally grained and highly resistant.
Addressing a commonly expressed wish, Hermès artisans have
optimized the use of fabrics and leathers to soften ambient noise
and vibration. Consoles, drawers and cabinets have been recessed
or placed entirely out of view. A sliding glass partition now separates
passenger compartment and cockpit, enhancing privacy while
allowing light to enter from the aircraft’s fore-section.
And overhead AC ducts have been center-aligned across the ceiling,
providing passengers with cleaner, more symmetrical visual cues.
“Cumulatively, the passenger experience created by Hermès has
exceeded our expectations, and is going to delight acquirers who
value outstanding, yet unobtrusive design,” says Philippe Harache.
“We set out to create a product that would add value and appeal for
a highly desirable, but discriminating market segment.
With ‘l’Hélicoptère par Hermès’, I can confidently say that we’ve
kept our promise.”
The order book for ‘l’Hélicoptère par Hermès’ will be open at NBAA.
First deliveries are scheduled for 2008, with aircraft availability world-wide.
About Eurocopter
Established in 1992, the Franco-German-Spanish Eurocopter Group is a Division of EADS, a
world leader in aerospace, defence and related services. The Eurocopter Group employs
approx. 14,000 people. In 2006, Eurocopter confirmed its position as the world’s No. 1
helicopter manufacturer with a turnover of 3.8 billion euros, orders for 615 new helicopters,
and a 52% percent market share in the civil and parapublic sectors. Overall, the Group’s
products account for 30% percent of the total world helicopter fleet. Its strong worldwide
presence is ensured by its 17 subsidiaries on five continents, along with a dense network of
distributors, certified agents and maintenance centres. More than 9,800 Eurocopter
helicopters are currently in service with over 2,500 customers in 140 countries. Eurocopter
offers the largest civil and military helicopter range in the world.
100 years of vertical flight
In 1907, Paul Cornu performed history’s first ever vertical flight. Since then, thanks to
pioneering spirits, technological advances and innovative minds, the helicopter has become a
key to saving lives, protecting citizens and contributing to economic development the world
over. In 2007, Eurocopter is proud to celebrate this anniversary and to share its passion for
helicopters.
For more information, please contact:
|
