Eurocopter claims setting new world record
(en.tibet.cn)
Updated: 2005-05-27 14:46

Eurocopter, the leading helicopter manufacturer of Europe, has set a high altitude record on Mount Qomolangma, the company announced Thursday.

"Eurocopter had landed a Ecureuil/AStar AS350B3 helicopter on the top of Mt. Qomolangma in a world first," the company said in a statement.

The helicopter landed on Mt. Qomolangma on May 14, setting a new world record for high altitude landing and takeoff.

An 11-member team from the company went to Mt. Qomolangma base camp from Nepali side on May 12, with an aim to create a new record in the history of rotary wing aviation.

The team tried to fly the helicopter at the altitude as high as 9,000 to 10,000 meters.

Rajesh Raj Dali, director general of the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal said that the government had allowed the team to carry out the test flight, after thoroughly evaluating the technical aspects of the involved helicopter and expertise of the crew members.

The test flight added up to the effort of rescuing climbers in high altitude areas, Dali noted, adding, "After its success, the attempt will be written down in the annals of the aviation history. "

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