Eurocopter’s recent delivery of the AS365 N3 is the Fire and Disaster Management Agency’s (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 FDMA’s 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 Eurocopter’s 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 Japan’s Kawasaki Heavy Industries.