Eurocopter delivers EC135 T2 to National Police Agency. First EC135 to be deployed to the Metropolitan Police Department

Eurocopter Japan delivered a brand new EC135 T2 to the National Police Agency (NPA) on 30 January 2013. It will be the first EC135 to be deployed to the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) for law enforcement missions in the Tokyo prefecture.

Tokyo,  5-2-2013 — /europawire.eu/ — The NPA and its police departments across Japan currently owns a fleet of 28 Eurocopter helicopters, which includes seven units of EC135 and 13 BK117s (EC145). These aircraft are operated by the police to guard the security interest of their respective prefectures. The newly acquired EC135 T2 will be the first EC135 to be deployed to the MPD, which also operates an EC155 B1 for a wide range of police activities, including life-saving operations, transportation, crime-prevention, security patrols and investigative search.

The MPD was the very first police department to begin using helicopters since 1959, and is the most frequent user of helicopters for law enforcement work amongst all police departments in Japan. Due to the varying landscapes of Tokyo prefecture which includes the Tokyo city center lined with skyscrapers, the Ogasawara Islands and the mountains on the outskirts of Tokyo, the MPD requires a range of helicopter types to tackle different missions and environmental challenges. In times of national disasters, the MPD has also been actively called upon for support.

“We are very honored to be able to deliver the first EC135 to MPD, which has a large and wellequipped Air Squadron,” said Stephane Ginoux, President & CEO of Eurocopter Japan. “The EC135 is a model that is well-established in the law enforcement market around the world as well as in Japan. We will offer a full suite of support and services, including maintenance, operational support, as well as training, to cater to our customers’ needs.”

The EC135 is a powerful, lightweight, twin-engine helicopter renowned for its multi-mission capabilities, top-notch technology and low operating costs. Bearing Eurocopter’s Fenestron® shrouded tail rotor, the EC135 is one of the quietest helicopters in its class, making it a highly popular aircraft for flying over cities and densely-populated areas, and especially favored by law enforcement agencies and emergency medical services (EMS) operators. There are currently 70 EC135s flying in Japan for EMS, police work, electronic news gathering, VIP transport and business aviation.

About Eurocopter Japan

Eurocopter Japan Co.,Ltd was established in April 2009 as a subsidiary of Eurocopter (90%) and Itochu Corporation (10%). In July 2009, Eurocopter Japan established Eurocopter Japan T&E. Co.,Ltd, a joint venture with ANAM. After these two acquisitions, Eurocopter became the first foreign affiliated company in this field to become a full fledged industrial player in Japan. With around 55% market share in the civil and parapublic sectors, a fleet of 320 helicopters and 50 years of presence in Japan, Eurocopter Japan will continue to contribute to Japanese customers and the society by improving safety, usability and the cost efficiency of the air by providing excellent products and consummate 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 world’s No. 1 helicopter manufacturer with a turnover of 6.3 billion Euros, orders for 469 new helicopters and a 44 percent market share in the civil and parapublic sectors. Overall, the Group’s helicopters account for 33 percent of the worldwide civil and parapublic fleet. Eurocopter’s strong international presence is ensured by its subsidiaries and participations in 21 countries. Eurocopter’s 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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NPA EC135 T2, © Copyright Eurocopter Japan, Chikako Hirano

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