Eurocopter Ec130 B4

Single Rotorcraft

The Eurocopter EC130 B4 is a single-engine light utility helicopter designed specifically for high-altitude operations and passenger comfort, making it the aircraft of choice for Grand Canyon tours and mountain sightseeing worldwide. Introduced in 2001 as an evolution of the AS350 Écureuil family, the EC130 features a revolutionary Fenestron shrouded tail rotor and an exceptionally quiet cabin thanks to its asymmetric rotor blade design—earning it the nickname "the quietest helicopter in its class." Its wide, unobstructed cabin with theater-style seating for up to seven passengers and expansive glass panels provides panoramic views that commercial operators prize for scenic flights. Powered by a single Turbomeca Arriel 2B1 turboshaft engine producing 952 shaft horsepower, the EC130 B4 delivers strong performance at density altitudes where competing helicopters struggle. The type's maximum cruise speed reaches 140 knots, with a service ceiling of 23,000 feet and a range of approximately 370 nautical miles—impressive figures for a light single. The Fenestron tail rotor not only reduces noise by 50 percent compared to conventional designs but also enhances safety during ground operations and in confined areas, a critical advantage for tourism and emergency medical service missions in congested environments. Since its certification, the EC130 has become the backbone of the aerial tourism industry in locations like Hawaii, the Alps, and the American Southwest, where its combination of passenger capacity, visibility, and high-altitude capability outmatches older designs. Airbus Helicopters (formerly Eurocopter) continues to produce the type at its facilities in Marignane, France, with over 400 delivered worldwide. The EC130's reputation for reliability and low operating costs has also made it popular for corporate transport, law enforcement observation, and utility work in challenging terrain. SkyMeter has tracked 2 flights across 1 airframes and 1 operators, with VICTOR HARPOON LLC the largest observed operator.