DTN News - JAPAN DEFENSE NEWS: Japan Coast Guard To Boost Its fleet With New EC225 Helicopters

DTN News - JAPAN DEFENSE NEWS: Japan Coast Guard To Boost Its fleet With New EC225 Helicopters

**Japan Coast Guard to boost its fleet with new EC225 helicopters after intensive rescue missions in the wake of the Japanese earthquake and tsunami

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Eurocopter

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - August 23, 2011: Following intensive relief operations after the Great East Japan Earthquake in March, the Japan Coast Guard, Eurocopter Group and Eurocopter Japan have signed a tripartite contract for the supply of three additional EC225 helicopters to the Japan Coast Guard. These aircraft will be the first civilian helicopters to be equipped with the most advanced mission system, to be deployed for search and rescue as well as law enforcement missions.

Procurement of the EC225s was decided after the Japanese Coast Guard efficiently carried out rescue and relief efforts following the massive earthquake and tsunami that hit the country on March 11, but unfortunately had aircraft submerged during the disaster that were rendered unserviceable. The acquisition will replenish the fleet with new aircraft that have the technology and capability to carry out complex search and rescue (SAR) as well as anti-piracy missions.

"We are very proud to have our helicopters contributing to saving lives every day in Japan,” said Eurocopter President & CEO Lutz Bertling. “The Eurocopter Japan team, which provided round-the-clock support to their customers after the Tohoku tragedy, remains totally committed to ensure that the helicopter missions can be performed in the best and safest conditions."

The Japan Coast Guard initially purchased two EC225s in 2006 through an open tender, complementing their AS332 L1 fleet for long range all-weather SAR missions as well as for ship-borne operations.

“The decision by the Japan Coast Guard to acquire additional EC225s this year was taken in view of its new assignment for anti-piracy missions, while also taking into account the outstanding performance of their existing EC225 helicopters – which have been used intensively since delivery, as demonstrated during the disaster relief operations,” explained Stéphane Ginoux, President and CEO of Eurocopter Japan. “Together, the service’s EC225 and AS332 L1 fleet will be able to continue serving the country and saving lives under severe circumstances.”

When the earthquake struck in March and triggered destructive tsunami waves, Eurocopter Japan immediately set up round-the-clock maintenance shifts to support helicopter operations, ensuring maximum availability of the helicopters to perform their missions. More than half of the helicopters used by fire-fighters, police and coast guards during the disaster relief operations were of Eurocopter origin.

Eurocopter’s twin-engine EC225 is in the 10-11-ton weight category, and features high-performance navigation and mission systems – including a unique digital autopilot; while also offering excellent flight autonomy and a large cabin with seating for 25 persons. As a result, the EC225 and its EC725 military version have become the reference for civil and military search and rescue, off-shore and passenger transport missions not just in Japan, but around the world.

To date, a total of 240 EC225s and EC725s have been ordered, of which approximately half have been delivered. The annual production rate will be increased by 60 percent over the next two-year period to meet market demand.

About Eurocopter Japan (Website: www.eurocopter.co.jp)

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 55% market share in the civil and parapublic sectors, a fleet of 330 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 (Website: www.eurocopter.com)

Established in 1992, the Franco-German-Spanish Eurocopter Group is a division of EADS, a world leader in aerospace, defense and related services. The Eurocopter Group employs approximately 17,500 people. In 2010, Eurocopter confirmed its position as the world’s number one helicopter manufacturer in the civil and parapublic market with a turnover of 4.8 billion Euros, orders for 346 new helicopters and a 49 percent market share in the civil and parapublic sectors. Overall, the Group’s helicopters account for 33 percent of the total worldwide civil and parapublic fleet. Eurocopter’s strong worldwide presence is ensured by its 30 subsidiaries and participations on five continents, along with a dense network of distributors, certified agents and maintenance centers. There are currently 11,200 Eurocopter helicopters in service and some 2,900 customers in 147 countries. Eurocopter offers the largest civil and military helicopter range in the world.

For more information, please contact:

Stéphane CHERY: Tel: + 33 (0)4 42 85 60 51 Mob: + 33 (0)6 23 93 71 23 stephane.chery@eurocopter.com Gloria ILLAS: Tel: + 33 (0)4 42 85 58 89 Mob: +33 (0) 6 31 47 08 99 gloria.illas@eurocopter.com Pascale FLEURY: Tel: + 33 (0)4 42 85 62 38 Mob: + 33 (06) 32 54 05 02 pascale.fleury@eurocopter.com Priscilla YIP: Tel: +65 6592 7217 Mob: +65 9660 7040 priscilla.yip@eurocoptersea.com.sg Melanie WOLF: Tel: + 49 (0) 906 71 57 39 Mob: + 49 (0) 151 17 12 63 18 melanie.wolf@eurocopter.com Julie GUERIN: Tel: +33 (0)4 42 85 59 64 Mob: +33 (0)6 22 00 34 73 julie.guerin@eurocopter.com

Website: www.eurocopter.com

*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Eurocopter

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*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News

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DTN News: Taiwanese Military Orders German Helicopters

DTN News: Taiwanese Military Orders German Helicopters *Source: DTN News / Int'l Media (NSI News Source Info) - February 5, 2010: Taiwan's military will buy up to 20 helicopters from a German manufacturer, it was confirmed today, days after Beijing lashed out at a multibillion-dollar US arms deal with the island. China has yet to respond to news of the agreement, thought to be the first European sale to Taiwan's armed forces since the early 90s.The EC 725 medium-sized (11t), twin-engine helicopter is the latest member of the Cougar helicopter family developed by Eurocopter. The helicopter has been developed in the military EC 725 version and in the civil EC 225 version. Taiwan's defence ministry spokesman Martin Yu said the island would buy EC-225 search-and-rescue helicopters. The $111m contract with Eurocopter, a subsidiary of EADS, is for three helicopters, with an option to buy up to 17 more. The move could fray Sino-European ties, already under strain over trade and currency issues. Yesterday China filed a complaint to the World Trade Organisation over the EU's anti-dumping tariffs on shoes. The arms deal could also affect Beijing's relations with Taipei, which have improved markedly since President Ma Ying-jeou took office on a platform of improving ties two years ago. However, others believe that China could remain silent or issue only a muted response if it is satisfied that the helicopters are not for military tasks. "If it's for a pure civic purpose that would be no problem, but if it belongs to the defence ministry then I think it could be," said Jin Canrong, professor of international studies at Renmin University. The Taiwanese defence ministry said it was not an arms order and the EC-225 is a civilian model. But the Taiwanese armed forces have bought non-military helicopters in the past and customised them with equipment suited to military models. Jing Huang, an expert on Asian security and visiting fellow at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy in Singapore, said China's response was likely to depend on the exact nature of the order. "I would be surprised if China makes a big fuss and if Eurocopter had not considered China's interests in its sales to Taiwan," he added, pointing out that the mainland was a much bigger client. "China may think it's better not to fight on two fronts [given its anger at the US deal]. It's also talking with ­Europeans about lifting the arms embargo. So I believe it will be more constrained; it doesn't make sense to make a fuss before the deal is even finalised." Defense News, which first reported the sale, said the contract would be signed within a few days. China's foreign ministry did not immediately respond to questions on the helicopter sale. Calls to the Taiwan Affairs Office rang unanswered. China hit back unusually hard following last week's announcement of the US's $6.4bn arms package, which includes Patriot missiles, naval minesweepers and Black Hawk helicopters. It warned of plans to impose sanctions on US firms that sell weapons to Taiwan and said it was "unavoidable" that co-operation on wider issues would be affected.

DTN News: French Defense Ministry Orders Two Eurocopter EC225 Helicopters For Search And Rescue Missions

DTN News: French Defense Ministry Orders Two Eurocopter EC225 Helicopters For Search And Rescue Missions *Eurocopter, a subsidiary of EADS and the world's leading helicopter manufacturer, is pleased to announce the purchase of two EC225s by the French Defense Ministry for the country's navy.

*Source: DTN News / EADS N.V. (NSI News Source Info) MARIGNANE, France - December 10, 2009: The two EC225s ordered by the French Armament Procurement Agency (DGA) will be the first to be operated by the French Navy.

The helicopters, which will be used to perform search and rescue (SAR) missions off the coast of Brittany, are slated for delivery in the first half of 2010 and will be assigned to the Lanvéoc naval air station in the Finistère region.

They are destined to replace the navy's Super-Frelon helicopters, which are near the end of their service life, and will be operated until such time as the first NH90 NFH helicopters enter service at the base in late 2011. "We are extremely pleased that the DGA continues to place its confidence in Eurocopter products," declared Eurocopter CEO Lutz Bertling. "Since it was first launched, the EC225 has been selected in nearly every tender in which it was a candidate. This helicopter has quickly become the reference for sea SAR missions around the world."

The many operators who count on the EC225 for SAR missions testify to its success: South Korea's national rescue agency, the Chinese Ministry of Transport, the Japanese Coast Guard, as well as the large commercial operators servicing oil and gas platforms in the North Sea, Bering Sea and the Gulf of Mexico.

The EC225 was designed from the outset with SAR missions in mind. The twin-engine helicopter has an entirely redesigned five-blade rotor system and a maximum takeoff weight of 11 metric tons. Its extremely low vibration levels are unparalleled in the industry, and make it possible to fly long missions without tiring out flight crews.

Amongst its many possible mission scenarios, the EC225 is capable of rescuing ten people within a range of 300 NM. Another outstanding feature of the EC225 is its automatic pilot, which is the only one of its kind in the world. It includes advanced modes specifically developed for SAR operations, and offers extraordinary capabilities for maneuvering into hover flight positions and maintaining them.

It is so precise that it can hold the helicopter's position above a ship at sea down to an accuracy of one meter. The EC225 is also the only helicopter in the world that offers automatic engine failure controls, whether it be during takeoff, cruise flight or hoisting operations.

These features are crucial for flight safety and allow flight crews to perform more effective missions—even in the extreme operating conditions often confronted by sea SAR teams. About Eurocopter Established in 1992, the Franco-German-Spanish Eurocopter Group is a Division of EADS, a world leader in aerospace, defence and related services. The Eurocopter Group employs approx. 15,600 people. In 2008, Eurocopter confirmed its position as the world’s No. 1 helicopter manufacturer in the civil and parapublic market, with a turnover of 4.5 billion Euros, orders for 715 new helicopters, and a 53 percent market share in the civil and parapublic sectors.

Overall, the Group’s products account for 30 percent of the total world helicopter fleet. Its strong worldwide presence is ensured by its 18 subsidiaries on five continents, along with a dense network of distributors, certified agents and maintenance centres.

More than 10,000 Eurocopter helicopters are currently in service with over 2,800 customers in more than 140 countries. Eurocopter offers the largest civil and military helicopter range in the world.

DTN News: The Ministry of Transport Signs For 2 Additional EC225 Helicopters In China

DTN News: The Ministry of Transport Signs For 2 Additional EC225 Helicopters In China *Source: DTN News / Int'l Media (NSI News Source Info) BEIJING, China - August 27, 2009: Eurocopter is pleased to announce the contract signature of another 2 EC225 helicopters with the Ministry of Transport (MOT) / China Rescue and Salvage Bureau (CRS) yesterday Aug 26. Captain SONG Jiahui, Director General of the CRS, Mr FU SHULA, President of AVIC International Holding Corporation and Mr Norbert DUCROT, Senior Vice-President Asia Pacific Sales for Eurocopter signing the contract.

A mere 2 years after the delivery of its first 2 EC225 helicopters in December 2007, this signature took place in the presence of MOT Vice Minister Mr. WENG Mengyong, Captain SONG Jiahui, Director General of the CRS, Mr. FU Shula, President of AVIC International Holding Corporation and Mr. Norbert DUCROT, Senior Vice-President Asia Pacific Sales for Eurocopter.

“This purchase underlines the MOT’s continued vote of confidence in our product range. The EC225 helicopter boasts modern Search and Rescue (SAR) capabilities and we are extremely confident in its strong market potential in China”, says Mr. Norbert DUCROT, Senior Vice-President Asia Pacific Sales for Eurocopter.

Captain SONG Jiahui Director General of the CRS remarks at this occasion, “We have successfully completed several successful operations with the EC225 helicopters over the last 2 years and we are very pleased with their performance. We are convinced that this new acquisition will help us to better meet the demands of a professional maritime rescue team and protect the safety of our people during times of natural catastrophes”.

To be delivered in 2011, these 2 new EC225 helicopters will be operated by the China Rescue and Salvage Bureau for SAR missions. They will strengthen the MOT’s existing fleet of 10 helicopters and 2 fixed wing aircraft, which are currently operated by 4 flight teams stationed throughout China.

The EC225 helicopters are twin-engine heavy helicopters in the 10/11 ton class which have already shown their worth in previous operations with the CRS: they recently rescued 11 seamen in tortuous weather conditions during the Morakot typhoon in August and saved over 100 lives during the Sichuan relief effort last year. These noteworthy accomplishments serve as incontestable evidence of the EC225 helicopter being the world reference for SAR missions. The 2 EC225s for the CRS will be equipped with state-of-the-art equipment such as search lights, hoists etc.

In the Chinese market for civil helicopters, Eurocopter is the leader with more than 40 percent market share, thanks to its long lasting, loyal and successful partnership with the Chinese industry and authorities. Today, around 400 helicopters from the Eurocopter family, including those manufactured under licensed production, are currently flying in the country. About Eurocopter Established in 1992, the Franco-German-Spanish Eurocopter Group is a Division of EADS, a world leader in aerospace, defence and related services. The Eurocopter Group employs approx. 15,600 people. In 2008, Eurocopter confirmed its position as the world’s No. 1 helicopter manufacturer in the civil and parapublic market, with a turnover of 4.5 billion Euros, orders for 715 new helicopters, and a 53 percent market share in the civil and parapublic sectors. Overall, the Group’s products account for 30 percent of the total world helicopter fleet. Its strong worldwide presence is ensured by its 18 subsidiaries on five continents, along with a dense network of distributors, certified agents and maintenance centres. More than 10,000 Eurocopter helicopters are currently in service with over 2,800 customers in more than 140 countries. Eurocopter offers the largest civil and military helicopter range in the world. About Ministry of Transport (MOT) / China Rescue and Salvage Bureau (CRS) The China Rescue and Salvage Bureau is a team of Search and Rescue professionals with proven skills. Since its creation, the CRS has accomplished numerous successful missions at sea and saved the lives of 1,123 people. It has laid a solid foundation for the establishment of a comprehensive search and rescue system in China. Through its operations, the CRS fully highlights the founding values of the Chinese government – to place the interests of its people as its top priority, to the safeguard the lives of its citizens and to build a harmonious society.