Two companies, both leaders in vividly contrasting disciplines, worked together to demonstrate that the helicopter can exceed its traditional role.
Hermès and Eurocopter wanted to level-up the potential of the helicopter as a form of personal transportation, from the users point of view.
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, both companies have taken a major step forward in improving the experience of travel by helicopter”.
The Helicopter
The EC 135, Eurocopter's best-selling helicopter, was selected for its effort. It features a spacious cabin, ample storage compartment, unobstructed flat floors, room for four passengers and pilot and lateral sliding doors. This helicopter also has a low noise signature, allowing to operate both day and night in urban environments.
Exterior
In order of Hermès, the landing gear was completely redesigned, resulting in easy access to the aircraft.
Interior
The interior is sober, light-filled and spacious. The cabin is completely redesigned to maximise the available space. Surfaces from floor to ceiling have been covered in 'Toile H', one of Hermès's signature used to manufacture the firm's travel ware. Seats are handcrafted and upholstered in calf leather, and optimized 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.
Eurocopter Senior Executive Vice President, Philippe Harache: "The passenger experience created by Hermès has exceeded our expectations, and is going to delight acquirers who value outstanding design."
The order book for ‘l’Hélicoptère par Hermès’ will be open at NBAA. First deliveries are scheduled for 2008, with aircraft availability world-wide. |
