Enstrom Helicopter delivers tenth TH-480B to JGSDF
Enstrom Helicopter has recently delivered the eighth TH-480B helicopter to the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) this year, bringing the total number of aircraft delivered under the programme to ten. The company is contracted to deliver 30 of the aircraft to the JGSDF, where the fleet will be used for training purposes.
The TH-480B will eventually replace the OH-6 as the JGSDF’s primary training helicopter. The first two TH-480B helicopters delivered to Japan have been in service for a combined total of more than 600 flight hours. This most recent delivery will arrive in Japan to support an on time delivery to the JGSDF, with 10 more to follow in 2013, and the final 10 in 2014.
The TH-480B is the JGSDF designation for the Enstrom 480B light turbine helicopter. Enstrom received the contract in February of 2010, and the first TH-480B was delivered to the JGSDF in February of 2011.
Enstrom Helicopter Corporation President and CEO, Jerry Mullins, said: ‘This delivery marks a great milestone for Enstrom in our relationship with Japan, with one third of the order now complete. We are very happy with the progress of the programme with the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force.’
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