The EC-145 is a Part 29 twin-engine light utility helicopter operating under an Experimental Airworthiness Certificate. It is capable of carrying three passengers with a flight crew of two. It is powered by two Turbomecca Arriel 1E2 turboshaft engines that produce up to 530 HP at takeoff. The maximum weight of the EC-145 is 7,903 lbs. It is fully instrumented for loads and vibrations and serves as a flying laboratory. NTPS uses the EC-145 for Systems, Performance and Flying Qualities flight test instruction.