The Japan Coast Guard (JCG) has recently expanded its helicopter fleet, placing an order for three additional H225 helicopters. This acquisition increases its total H225 fleet to 18, making it the largest Super Puma operator in Japan. The addition of these helicopters is part of JCG’s ongoing efforts to bolster its capabilities in handling coastal activities, maritime law enforcement, and disaster relief missions throughout the country.
The latest helicopters are essential for the JCG, enhancing their readiness and effectiveness in a variety of operations. Jean-Luc Alfonsi, Managing Director of Airbus Helicopters in Japan, highlighted the trust and confidence JCG has in the Airbus products, stating, “The Japan Coast Guard has been an active operator of the Super Puma family helicopters for three decades. This follow-on order demonstrates the customer’s confidence in our products and the dedicated support to their fleet.” He further noted the suitability of the H225 for the critical missions JCG undertakes, thanks to its adaptability in all weather conditions and its robust performance in demanding environments.
Advanced Features of the H225
As the latest addition to the Super Puma family, the H225 is recognized for its exceptional performance, especially in challenging conditions. It boasts significant range and payload capacity, which are critical for the diverse missions the JCG undertakes. The helicopter has been continuously upgraded under Airbus Helicopters’ policy of improvement. It now features cutting-edge avionics, including the largest screens available in the market and an innovative interface. These enhancements help reduce pilot workload by combining advanced technology with a renowned autopilot system, allowing pilots to concentrate more on mission-critical tasks.
Moreover, the H225 offers impressive endurance, fast cruise speed, and can be equipped with various tools to support a range of roles, from search and rescue to passenger transportation. Such versatility makes it an invaluable asset to the JCG’s fleet.
To ensure the highest availability and operational readiness, JCG’s H225 fleet benefits from Airbus’ HCare Smart full-by-the-hour material support program. This customized availability program allows the Coast Guard to focus primarily on its flight operations while Airbus efficiently manages maintenance and other logistical aspects. This support structure is crucial for maintaining high operation standards and allows JCG to deploy its resources effectively during critical missions.
With 24 H225 helicopters currently flown by Japan’s Ministry of Defense and parapublic operators, these aircraft serve in various capacities including search and rescue missions, VIP transport, firefighting, and passenger and goods transportation. The versatility and reliability of the H225 make it a cornerstone in Japan’s efforts to maintain national security and emergency response readiness.
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