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
-
Royal Navy helicopter crews transfer control of UAS in European first
Using technology supplied by QinetiQ, two Royal Navy helicopter crews successfully exchanged control of a UAS while in flight.
-
Leonardo wins Canadian helicopter upgrade programme
The upgrade contract will ensure that the Candian helicopters are compliant with future technological requirements.
-
Guatemala receives Bell Subaru helicopters
The latest version of the Bell 412 helicopter has improved performance and weight capacity and will support Guatemala in various missions.
-
Algeria expresses interest in AW249 while AW139 deal remains in limbo
Leonardo and Algeria hope to seal the AW139 deal in 2023 while Italy and the North African country further strengthen defence ties.
-
Nigeria to receive new attack helicopters
The Nigerian Air Force is to receive more than 50 attack air assets to strengthen its ability to fight insecurity within its borders.
-
Royal Navy upgrades Merlin helicopters
The Royal Navy's amphibious helicopters have received an improved defensive aid suit and Merlin pilots can now train in a synthetic training environment.