Japan’s  National Police Agency orders five new helicopters 

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One Airbus H225 and four H135 helicopters have been ordered by Japan’s National Police Agency (NPA) as part of its fleet modernisation programme. The new order will take NPA’s Airbus fleet to 30. 

Currently operating 12 H135, four H155 and six AS365 helicopters, with one H215 and two H225 already on order, NPA deploys its fleet across Japan on  law enforcement missions and other operations  from goods transportation to disaster relief. The NPA said: “The  five new helicopters will complement the agency’s law enforcement capabilities.”  

Guillaume Leprince,  MD of Airbus Helicopters Japan, said  the company treasures the opportunity to support Japan’s wide-ranging law enforcement missions for more than 30 years with its  light twin, medium and heavy-lift helicopters.  

We thank NPA for its continued trust built over the years and welcome the agency as a new customer for our Super Puma helicopters. With an enlarged fleet not just in numbers, but also in range and capacity, we are fully confident that the new helicopters will be a timely addition, reinforcing the agency’s operations.”  

According to Airbus, the H225 offers the industry’s best range, speed, payload and reliability in an 11-ton-category twin-turbine rotorcraft. The model  is the latest member of Airbus Helicopters’ Super Puma family that has accumulated more than 5.7m  flight hours.   

Airbus said: “The H225 offers outstanding endurance and fast cruise speed and can be fitted with various equipment to suit a variety of roles. In Japan alone, a total of 28 helicopters from the Super Puma family are currently flown by civil operators, and Japan’s Ministry of Defence for various search and rescue missions, VIP, fire-fighting, and heavy-lifting.” 

Meanwhile, earlier this week the new Airbus’ five-bladed H145 was certified by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). The foldable bladed helicopter is due for its first deliveries in late summer, with FAA approval expected by year-end.   

 

At a glance: H225 and H135  

H225 

  • Max speed: 175kts 
  • Max range: 604nm 
  • Max load: 24,692lbs 
  • Crew and passengers: 2 pilots + 19 passengers 
  • Hover ceiling: 6,350ft 
  • Engine: 2x Safran Helicopter engines Makila 2A1

H135 

  • Max speed: 140kts 
  • Max range: 342nm 
  • Max load: 6,834lbs 
  • Crew and passengers: 2 pilots + 6 passengers 
  • Hover ceiling: 7200ft 
  • Engine: 2x Safran Arrius 2B2+ or Pratt & Whitney PW206B3 

 

Airbus H225

Airbus H135 (Eurocopter)

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