Eurocopter Group: A European Helicopter Manufacturer

Eurocopter Group is a major helicopter manufacturer based in Europe, owned by Airbus Helicopters (which is itself part of the larger Airbus company). The company designs, builds, and sells helicopters for civilian, military, and emergency services around the world. If you've seen a helicopter used by a police department, coast guard, or air ambulance service, there's a reasonable chance it was made by Eurocopter or one of its predecessor companies.

The company's history is important to understanding what it is today. Eurocopter was formed in 1992 when two European helicopter makers — Aérospatiale of France and Daimler-Benz Aerospace of Germany — merged their helicopter divisions. In 2014, Eurocopter was rebranded as Airbus Helicopters, though many people still refer to it by its older name. The company operates factories and offices across Europe, with major facilities in France, Germany, and other countries.

Key Takeaways

  • Eurocopter Group, now called Airbus Helicopters, is a European company that manufactures helicopters for military, civilian, and emergency services.
  • The company was formed in 1992 from the merger of two European helicopter makers and is owned by Airbus, a major aerospace company.
  • Eurocopter helicopters are used by police, coast guards, hospitals, and military forces in dozens of countries.
  • The company competes with other helicopter makers like Sikorsky (United States) and Bell Helicopter (United States) in the global market.

What Helicopters Does Eurocopter Make

Eurocopter produces a wide range of helicopter models, each designed for different purposes. Some of the most well-known models include the EC135 (used for police and emergency medical transport), the EC225 (a larger helicopter for offshore and military work), and the Tiger attack helicopter (used by several European militaries). The company also makes smaller models like the EC120 and larger transport helicopters.

Each model is built to meet specific needs. A police department might choose an EC135 because it's fast, reliable, and straightforward to maintain. An oil company working offshore might choose a larger model that can carry more people and equipment. Military forces choose Eurocopter helicopters based on their specific mission requirements — whether that's transport, attack, or search and rescue.

Eurocopter's Role in the Global Helicopter Market

Eurocopter is one of the three largest helicopter manufacturers in the world, competing mainly with Sikorsky Aircraft (owned by Lockheed Martin in the United States) and Bell Helicopter (also in the United States). Together, these three companies dominate the global market for new helicopters. Eurocopter's main strength is in Europe, where it has strong relationships with European militaries and government agencies, though it also sells helicopters to customers in Asia, the Middle East, and other regions.

The helicopter industry is highly specialized and requires significant investment in research, engineering, and manufacturing. Eurocopter's parent company, Airbus, provides the financial backing and technical resources that allow Eurocopter to compete at this level. This is why most helicopter manufacturers are owned by large aerospace companies rather than operating independently.

How Eurocopter Helicopters Are Used

Eurocopter helicopters serve many different purposes in the real world. Police departments use them for patrol, pursuit, and rescue operations. Coast guards and maritime agencies use them for search and rescue at sea. Hospitals use them as air ambulances to transport critically injured or ill patients quickly to medical centers. Military forces use them for transport, attack, reconnaissance, and special operations. Oil and gas companies use them to move workers and equipment to offshore platforms.

Emergency services in particular rely heavily on Eurocopter models. The EC135, for example, has become a standard choice for police and emergency medical services across Europe and beyond because it offers a good balance of speed, range, reliability, and operating cost. When you see a helicopter landing at a hospital or responding to an emergency, it's often a Eurocopter model.

Eurocopter's Ownership and Business Structure

Eurocopter is a subsidiary of Airbus Helicopters, which is itself a division of Airbus SE, a massive European aerospace company. Airbus also makes commercial airplanes (like the A380 and A320) and defense systems. By owning Eurocopter, Airbus can offer a complete range of aircraft products — from small helicopters to large commercial jets — to customers around the world.

This ownership structure means that Eurocopter has access to Airbus's engineering informed, manufacturing capabilities, and financial resources. It also means that Eurocopter must follow Airbus's corporate policies and strategic direction. For customers, this generally means reliability and long-term support, since Airbus is a stable, well-established company with decades of experience in aerospace manufacturing.

Why the Name Changed from Eurocopter to Airbus Helicopters

In 2014, Eurocopter officially changed its name to Airbus Helicopters. This was part of a broader rebranding effort by Airbus to consolidate its various divisions under a single corporate identity. The company wanted all of its business units — helicopters, airplanes, defense systems — to be recognized as part of the Airbus family.

Despite the official name change, many people in the industry and the public still refer to the company as Eurocopter, especially when talking about older aircraft or in regions where the Eurocopter name is well-established. Both names refer to the same company, so you may encounter either one depending on the context.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Eurocopter a government agency?

No. Eurocopter is a private company owned by Airbus, which is a publicly traded aerospace corporation. While Eurocopter sells helicopters to government agencies and militaries, it is not itself a government organization.

Where are Eurocopter helicopters manufactured?

Eurocopter operates manufacturing facilities in several European countries, with major production sites in France and Germany. The company also has facilities in other locations for assembly, testing, and maintenance of its helicopters.

Can I buy a Eurocopter helicopter as a private person?

Eurocopter primarily sells to government agencies, militaries, and large commercial organizations. Private individuals rarely purchase Eurocopter helicopters directly, though some smaller civilian models may be available through specialized dealers. The cost of a new helicopter ranges from millions to tens of millions of dollars depending on the model.

What's the difference between Eurocopter and Airbus Helicopters?

They are the same company. Eurocopter changed its official name to Airbus Helicopters in 2014 as part of a corporate rebranding. You may see both names used interchangeably, though Airbus Helicopters is the current official name.

How long do Eurocopter helicopters last?

Eurocopter helicopters are built for long service lives, typically 20 to 30 years or more with proper maintenance. Many Eurocopter helicopters that entered service in the 1990s and 2000s are still in active use today by police, military, and emergency services around the world.