Eurocopter delivers an AS365 N3 to Japans Fire and Disaster Management Agency for operations in Miyagi Prefecture

[EADS Space Transportation - 07.08.2013] Eurocopter delivers an AS365 N3 to Japans Fire and Disaster Management Agency for operations in Miyagi Prefecture

Eurocopters recent delivery of the AS365 N3 is the Fire and Disaster Management Agencys (FDMA) third helicopter of this model. The brand new aircraft began operations yesterday in the Miyagi Prefecture as a replacement for its BK117 C-2 which was damaged during the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake.
The AS365 N3 has been deployed to the Miyagi Prefectural Government for use in fire-fighting, disaster prevention, emergency medical transport and rescue missions. In the event of a large-scale national disaster, it will be dispatched to disaster areas throughout Japan under FDMAs direction, to gather information and conduct rescue activities.
"In the aftermath of the earthquake and tsunami in 2011, disaster relief and reconstruction works were greatly assisted by the use of helicopters, stated Stephane Ginoux, President
CEO of Eurocopter Japan. "The addition of the highly efficient AS365 N3 will enhance the capabilities of the Miyagi Prefectural Government in managing on-going works and future requirements. We are committed to continue providing our full support to our customers working under such difficult conditions.
The 4.5-ton AS365 N3 is part of Eurocopters Dauphin family, and is a highly popular helicopter type for fire-fighting services, disaster relief organizations, police agencies as well as news media in Japan and around the world. Currently, more than 50 AS365s are operated in Japan.
Eurocopter also leads the fire-fighting segment in Japan with a 60 percent market share, thanks to its wide range of products and in-country support and services network. Popular models used for fire-fighting and disaster relief missions in Japan include the AS365, the Super Puma family, as well as the BK117, which is a light, twin-engine helicopter developed jointly with Japans Kawasaki Heavy Industries.
About Eurocopter Japan
Established in 2009, Eurocopter Japan is the Japanese subsidiary of Eurocopter, a division of EADS. It is the first foreign affiliated aircraft manufacturer to carry out direct sales, training, and customer support activities in the Japanese aeronautical sector. There are about 280 employees allocated at four bases, including Tokyo and Kobe. With more than 50 years of in-country presence, Eurocopter Japan confirms its leadership position with a 54 percent market share overall in Japan (for the turbine helicopter market, not including defense).
Eurocopter Japan makes Japans sky safer, more reliable and cost-efficient by providing high quality products and services.
About Eurocopter
Established in 1992, the Franco-German-Spanish Eurocopter Group is a division of EADS, a world leader in aerospace and defense-related services. The Eurocopter Group employs approximately 22,000 people. In 2012, Eurocopter confirmed its position as the worlds No. 1 helicopter manufacturer with a turnover of 6.3 billion Euros, orders for 469 new helicopters and a 38 percent market share in the civil and parapublic sectors. Overall, the Groups helicopters account for 33 percent of the worldwide civil and parapublic fleet. Eurocopters strong international presence is ensured by its subsidiaries and participations in 21 countries. Eurocopters worldwide network of service centers, training facilities, distributors and certified agents supports more than 2,900 customers. There are currently more than 11,780 Eurocopter helicopters in service in 148 countries. Eurocopter offers the most comprehensive civil and military helicopter range in the world and is fully committed to safety as the most important aspect of its business

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