Air Comm EC-145 Air Conditioner Selected for LUH; Deliveries Under Way

Air Comm Corporation has been selected by American Eurocopter to provide vapor cycle air conditioning systems for the U.S. Army’s Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) program, led by EADS North America.  Deliveries of the units are under way.

“Air Comm is pleased to work with American Eurocopter, EADS North America and the U.S. Army to meet their stringent performance requirements for this system,” said Keith Steiner, ACC President.  “We look forward to forging an excellent relationship with our customers to achieve all objectives within an aggressive program schedule.”

The LUH, designated UH-72 by the Army, is a variant of the Eurocopter EC-145, and both aircraft utilize the same air conditioning system.  The system features dual cockpit evaporators and a headliner-integrated cabin evaporator.

Air Comm’s evaporator configuration was an important factor for the Army.  “The placement of the two cockpit evaporators forward of the anti-torque pedals provides a large volume of very cold air directly to the pilot and co-pilot,” Steiner said.  “This is critical for effective cooling, especially in extreme environments such as Ft. Irwin.”

The Air Ambulance Detachment at Fort Irwin, Calif. received its full complement of six aircraft in April 2007, becoming the Army’s first unit equipped with LUH aircraft.  The temperature at Fort Irwin routinely tops 100 degrees (Fahrenheit) in the summer. 
The cabin evaporator was also a major factor for the Army, Steiner said, because it is entirely mounted above the headliner, with no intrusion on cabin headroom.
 
Air Comm has designed and manufactured superior vapor cycle air conditioners and bleed air heaters for turbine aircraft since 1987. The company offers certified climate control systems for more than 20 civil and military helicopters.