EC225 Helicopter 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.


Source: 15 March 2012 - Shephard News

Photo: Japanese MOD EC225 Helicopter (Photo by Shephard Group)

(15.03.2012)