Enstrom announced this week that Transport Canada has granted certification to Enstrom’s 480B turbine helicopter. The 480B joins other Enstrom helicopters approved for operations in Canada, including the F-28 and 280 series, all of which are powered by piston engines.

The Michigan-based company is currently working with a Canadian launch customer.

“Enstrom has a long history in Canada,” said Dennis Martin, Enstrom’s director of sales and Marketing. “A number of our customers have expressed a desire to operate 480Bs in Canada and this new validation will allow them to do so under Canadian registration.”

“With its legendary toughness, fully articulated rotor head, and low operating costs, we feel the 480B is a natural in the demanding Canadian environment. Our piston aircraft have proved their worth there for years and we look forward to giving turbine customers a new, versatile option,” added Martin.

The 480B has a five-seat cabin and is capable of carrying a litter. The Rolls-Royce 250 C20w turbine develops a maximum of 420 shaft horsepower. The helicopter has a gross weight of 3,000 pounds and an empty weight of 1,820 pounds.

At gross weight, the aircraft can cruise at 109 knots with a service ceiling of 10,000 feet. Enstrom calculates the total direct operating cost, including overhaul and component retirement reserves, of $325.76 USD per hour.