Nagoya City in Japan orders an Airbus H160 from the fire department division.
The Nagoya City Fire Bureau has taken a significant step forward in enhancing its aerial support capabilities with the acquisition of an Airbus H160 helicopter. This versatile aircraft will be used for firefighting, search and rescue missions, and disaster response operations, including reconnaissance of affected areas.
The H160 has already made its mark in various countries, including Japan, where three units are currently in service. Two are employed for law enforcement, while one serves for news gathering missions. Jean-Luc Alfonsi, Managing Director of Airbus Helicopters in Japan, expressed his honour for the selection of the H160 by the Nagoya City Fire Bureau, stating that it signifies the beginning of a new era of aerial support for the city of Nagoya.
Airbus Helicopters, a trusted partner in Japan for 65 years, is committed to supporting the operations and deepening their partnership with the Nagoya City Fire Bureau. The new H160 will be configured for search and rescue, and aerial firefighting missions, equipped with either a firefighting bucket or a belly-mounted water tank.
The H160 is one of the world's most technologically advanced helicopters, boasting advanced avionics and safety systems. It includes automatic take-off and landing modes, new autopilot functions, and features that warn pilots of unforeseen negative flight conditions and can avoid them, enhancing flight safety in demanding conditions. Its avionics also help mitigate pilot distractions and allow the aircraft to troubleshoot problems while still in operation.
Designed to operate in harsh climates, the H160 has an efficient air-conditioning system, long-range navigation, and extended endurance, ensuring mission effectiveness and aircraft reliability under extreme conditions. The H160 supports a maximum takeoff weight of 6,050 kg (13,338 lbs), a top speed of 161 knots (298 km/h), and a range of 475 nautical miles (880 km), allowing it to cover wide operational areas efficiently.
The H160's design allows for rapid reconfiguration for diverse missions, demonstrating its versatility. It can be adapted for light attack, commando insertion, air interception in military roles, as well as civilian disaster response operations.
The Nagoya City Fire Bureau, established in 1973, currently operates two AS365N3 helicopters. With the arrival of the new H160, one of the current helicopters will be retired. About 380 helicopters from Airbus Helicopters support various missions across Japan, and the growing confidence in the helicopter's versatility and performance among Japanese operators is reflected in this new order.
This new H160 order is set to join the growing Japan fleet, ushering in a new era of aerial support for the city of Nagoya. The H160's combination of configurable firefighting gear, advanced avionics for safety and pilot assistance, robustness for extreme conditions, and strong operational performance make it a highly capable helicopter for firefighting, search and rescue, and disaster response missions.
The new H160 will not only be used for firefighting and search and rescue missions in Nagoya, but will also contribute to the city's aerospace industry, given its versatility and advanced technology. In the realm of finance, Airbus Helicopters' continued partnership with the Nagoya City Fire Bureau signifies a substantial investment in the city's disaster response capabilities.
