Airbus Delivers Super Puma Helicopters To Japan Coast Guard

The Japan Coast Guard (JCG) took delivery of EC225 helicopter equipped with advanced search and rescue mission systems from Airbus Helicopters Monday.

This is the last of three EC225s ordered by JCG in July 2011; the earlier two having been delivered last year. With the three additional helicopters, JCG now operates a Super Puma fleet that includes five EC225s and three AS332 L1s.

They can also be utilized for security enforcement, territorial sea guard duties and anti-disaster operations. It was purchased as replacement for an aircraft that was destroyed during the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake.

Stephane Ginoux, Managing Director of Airbus Helicopters Japan said, “This handover is especially significant, as it is the 3000th rotorcraft to be delivered from our hangar since we commenced operations in 1971, marking a new milestone in the history of Airbus Helicopters in Japan.”

The EC225 is an 11-ton class, twin-engine helicopter from the Super Puma family, equipped with the latest electronic devices and state-of-the-art autopilot system. It features fast cruise speed, superior range and large capacity for equipment.

A total of 23 Super Puma family helicopters are operating in Japan, utilized by both civil and military users in search and rescue, offshore operations and passenger transport.