Fire Department in Nagoya City, Japan mandates acquisition of Airbus H160 helicopter
The city of Nagoya is set to experience a new era in aerial support as the Nagoya City Fire Bureau prepares for the arrival of the Airbus H160 helicopter. This modern aircraft, renowned for its versatility and performance, is poised to revolutionise emergency service operations in the region.
Established in 1973, the Nagoya City Fire Bureau currently operates two AS365N3 helicopters. Now, with the arrival of the H160, the Bureau aims to enhance its capabilities in firefighting, search and rescue (SAR), and disaster response missions.
Airbus Helicopters, a trusted partner in Japan for 65 years, has about 380 helicopters supporting various missions across the country. The H160, described as a game-changer, has already entered into service in Japan, Brazil, Canada, France, Malaysia, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, U.K., U.S., and many other European countries.
The H160's advanced features make it an ideal choice for emergency services. It can be equipped with a firefighting bucket or a belly-mounted water tank, significantly boosting its ability to support ground crews in wildfire suppression and firefighting efforts. For SAR operations, the H160 offers safe, reliable rotorcraft performance suitable for demanding missions like aerial reconnaissance and victim retrieval in disaster zones.
The H160's operational flexibility allows it to conduct reconnaissance of affected areas to aid situational awareness during disaster response. Its versatility extends beyond firefighting and SAR, with the helicopter capable of fulfilling multiple roles, including law enforcement, emergency medical services, and offshore transportation.
Jean-Luc Alfonsi, Managing Director of Airbus Helicopters in Japan, expressed his honour that the Nagoya City Fire Bureau selected the H160 for their operations. Airbus Helicopters is committed to supporting the operations of the Nagoya City Fire Bureau and deepening their partnership.
This new H160 order is set to join the growing Japan fleet, reflecting the growing confidence in the helicopter's versatility and performance among Japanese operators. With the retirement of one of the current helicopters operated by the Nagoya City Fire Bureau, the new H160 will take its place, ready to serve the city in firefighting, SAR, and disaster response operations.
The H160's versatility and performance make it a popular choice among operators in Japan and around the world. Its arrival in Nagoya marks a significant step forward in the city's emergency service capabilities, ensuring that the city remains well-equipped to handle any challenges that may come its way.
The Nagoya City Fire Bureau's decision to invest in the H160 suggests a strategic shift towards modernizing their operations, as this helicopter is expected to bolster their capabilities not only in firefighting and search and rescue missions, but also in aerospace technology and finance, given the advanced features it presents and the potential cost savings from its versatility in multiple roles.
Airbus Helicopters, with a strong presence in Japan for several decades, sees the Nagoya City Fire Bureau's choice of the H160 as a testament to the confidence the industry places in its finance, technology, and the performance of its products in the aerospace sector, with the H160 already in service across numerous countries.
