9 - EC175 Structures, Doors And Windows

Question 1

How many sections make up the fuselage, and what are they?

Answer 1

• 5 sections
• Front Fuselage Module (avionics bay, canopy, bottom structure)
• Centre Fuselage Module (Cabin floor, cabin frames)
• Intermediate Fuselage Module (Cargo floor, intermediate structure frames)
• Tail boom
• Vertical stabilizer.

Question 2

Describe the horizontal stabilizer (HS) structure:

Answer 2

• Balances the mast moment and provides longitudinal stability
• Constructed with aluminium spars w. Reinforcing stiffeners
• Aluminium alloy skin panels and stainless steel leading edges
• Outboard fins are made of composite sandwich
• 2 rods limit vibration and brace the HS spar and pylon rear spar.

Question 3

Name and describe the operation of the 7 doors:

Answer 3

• 2 x cockpit doors
  — open to 70 degrees, with gas strut and trapping cable
  — 2 x sensors for ‘open’ cockpit indication and 2 x visual ‘open’ indicators (inside and out)
• 2 x cabin doors
  — slide open rearwards
  — 2 x sensors for ‘open’ cockpit indication and 2 x visual ‘open’ indicators (inside and out)
• 2 x cargo doors
  — top hinge opening, with 2 x gas struts
  — 2 x sensors for ‘open’ cockpit indication
• 1 x EPU door
  — Bottom hinged with 2 x locking wing nuts
  — 2 x sensors for ‘open’ cockpit indication (separate cockpit indication from ‘group’).

Question 4

Describe the EC175 windows function:

Answer 4

• Provide excellent visibility
• Provide protection to crew and passengers
• Provide emergency exits
• Cockpit door ‘bad weather’ windows: sliding, lockable, and jettisonable
• All windows are ‘oversize’ escape exits
• Cockpit windows are 6mm thick (upper) and 3mm thick (lower).