EC225 selected by Japanese MOD
Eurocopter has announced that the Japanese Ministry of Defence (MOD) has selected the EC225 for passenger transport. One aircraft will be delivered to Japan and operated by the Japanese ground self defence force.
According to Eurocopter, the Japanese MOD signed a contract on 8th March 2012 to acquire the EC225, a heavy twin-engine helicopter from Eurocopter’s Super Puma family. It had a fleet of three EC225s, but one of which was submerged during the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami. The procurement of the new 11-ton helicopter is meant as a replacement for the damaged aircraft.
Offering high cruise speed, long range coverage and high level of comfort thanks to the spacious cabin and low vibration, this aircraft is popularly used for passenger transportation and search and rescue missions all over the world.
Since the major earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan on 11th March last year, various public sectors in Japan have been boosting their rotary-wing aircraft fleet, seeing the benefits of helicopters in times of large-scale disasters. Besides being able to carry out relief efforts safely and efficiently, helicopters also proved to be the fastest and safest mode of transport, as public transportation systems were badly affected.
The EC225 for the Ministry of Defense will be delivered in February 2015.
More from Defence Helicopter
-
![Germany to send WS-61 Westland Sea King helicopters to Ukraine]()
Germany to send WS-61 Westland Sea King helicopters to Ukraine
Germany has committed to sending Ukraine six of its 21 retiring WS-61 Westland Sea King multirole, amphibious helicopters.
-
![Boeing secures $271 million to advance modernisation of US Special Operations' MH-47G Chinook]()
Boeing secures $271 million to advance modernisation of US Special Operations' MH-47G Chinook
Boeing has clinched a major contract modification to further its backing of the US Special Operations Command’s MH-47G Chinook aircraft modernisation effort.
-
![Dubai Airshow 2023: South Korean homegrown helicopters make international debut]()
Dubai Airshow 2023: South Korean homegrown helicopters make international debut
Two KAI helicopters, the KUH-1E utility helicopter and the Light Attack Helicopter (LAH), have taken centre stage at the Dubai Airshow 2023.
-
![Italian Navy receives final NH90 helicopter]()
Italian Navy receives final NH90 helicopter
The Italian Navy now boasts a fleet of 56 NH90 helicopters comprising 46 SH-90As and 10 MH-90As.
-
![Argentina seeks AW109 and CH-46 Sea Knight helicopters]()
Argentina seeks AW109 and CH-46 Sea Knight helicopters
The Argentinian Air Force (FAA) and the Argentinian Naval Aviation Command (COAN) are looking for options to upgrade their helicopter fleets.
-
![DSEI 2023: Lockheed to produce about 40% of Black Hawks on UK soil if it wins NMH contest]()
DSEI 2023: Lockheed to produce about 40% of Black Hawks on UK soil if it wins NMH contest
Lockheed Martin promises a boost to the British job market and export opportunities, while strengthening ties with Poland and positioning the UK for a future in rotorcraft technology in the event of a New Medium Helicopter competition triumph.
