Japan orders third Eurocopter EC225 for fire-fighting missions

The Tokyo Fire Department has placed orders with Eurocopter for the delivery of third EC225 aircraft support fire-fighting, emergency medical services as well as search and rescue (SAR) helicopters.

Eurocopter president and CEO Lutz Bertling said, "Recent experiences in Japan showed the important role played by rotary-wing aircraft during large-scale disasters."

Configured to handle Fire Department missions, the rotary-wing aircraft will join Japan’s Eurocopter fleet of four medium-sized Dauphins and three medium-heavy Super Puma helicopters.

Designed to comply with the latest JAR 29 amendments, EC255 features dual-channel FADEC and TURBOMECA MAKILA 2A1 turboshaft engines.

The helicopter’s enhanced man-machine interface provides critical information to enable decision making for pilot.

The 19.5m-long, all-weather helicopter is equipped with a five-blade main rotor to decrease vibration levels and can carry up to 24 passengers.

Japan has been using Eurocopter fire-fighting helicopters since 1967, and the first unit to be delivered to the Tokyo Fire Department was a SA3160 Alouette III.

With a maximum take-off weight of 11.2t and a range of 838km, the helicopter can used to conduct missions during the night and in rough weather conditions.

Earlier, the Japan Ministry of Defense and Japan Coast Guard also placed orders with Eurocopter for the delivery of EC225 helicopters.