More Dauphins for Japan’s police and firefighters

Airbus Helicopters AS365 Dauphin (Credit: Airbus Helicopters Japan Chikako Hirano)

Japanese police and firefighters have ordered another two Airbus Helicopters Dauphin helicopters, which are due for delivery this month.

The latest order was signed with Japan’s National Police Agency for one H155 version (previously known as the EC155) to be deployed by the Kagawa Prefectural Police and an AS365 N3+ variant for the Fukuoka Prefectural Police. Both Dauphins are scheduled to be delivered in 2017, and will replace aging aircraft in these operators’ respective fleets.

The H155 is Kagawa Prefectural Police’s first Airbus Helicopters-built rotorcraft.

This month’s three Dauphin deliveries in Japan involved an H155 for the Hyogo Prefectural Police, one AS365 N3+ received by the Hiroshima Prefectural Police, and an AS365 N3+ for the Nagoya City Fire Department.

Stephane Ginoux, managing director of Airbus Helicopters Japan, said: “With a long and successful career, the Dauphin continues to be the helicopter of choice for highly demanding public missions in Japan and around the world.”

“This bestseller is backed by our full resources locally, providing prompt and efficient support and ensuring safe operations for customers,” Ginoux added.

In Japan there is a total of 56 Dauphin helicopters being operated, including three H155s and six AS365s deployed by Japanese police agencies, as well as 24 AS365s flown in firefighting and disaster relief missions.