Tokyo updates its firefighting equipment with the acquisition of extra Airbus H225 helicopters.
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The Airbus H225, a member of the renowned Super Puma family, is set to play a crucial role in Japan's public safety sector. Known for its versatility, endurance, and high performance in challenging conditions, the H225 is a multi-mission helicopter that excels in aerial firefighting, search and rescue, emergency medical services, and disaster response.
The Tokyo Fire Department, which began using helicopters in 1967 with an Allouette III, has recently awarded a contract to Airbus Helicopters for an Airbus H225. This acquisition is part of the department's fleet modernization strategy and will see the H225 replacing an older aircraft in its fleet.
Key features of the H225 include a built-in search and rescue mode for rapid target detection, a belly-mounted water tank for aerial firefighting, onboard emergency stretchers for immediate medical care, and advanced avionics and autopilot systems for increased safety and reduced pilot workload. These features make the H225 ideally suited for the Tokyo Fire Department's lifesaving work.
The H225's high-performance design is backed by twin Turboméca Makila 2A1 turboshaft engines, each providing 2,382 shaft horsepower. This powerful engine setup enables speeds up to 324 km/h and cruising speeds around 262 km/h. The helicopter can transport up to 28 passengers and has an overall length of about 19.5 meters, a rotor diameter of 16.2 meters, and a maximum takeoff weight of around 11,000 kilograms.
The H225 is currently operational in Japan, with 24 units in service by the Ministry of Defence and parapublic agencies. It is used for a variety of roles, including VIP travel, logistics, and emergency response. The Tokyo Fire Department's fleet already includes three H225s and three AS365s, all provided by Airbus.
Jean-Luc Alfonsi, Managing Director of Airbus Helicopters in Japan, expressed his confidence in the H225's suitability for the Tokyo Fire Department's lifesaving work. He emphasised the helicopter's reliability and adaptability, making it a highly capable, multi-mission helicopter especially suited for operations requiring speed, endurance, and flexibility in critical public safety roles.
In conclusion, the Airbus H225 is a versatile and reliable helicopter that will significantly enhance Japan's public safety capabilities. Its deployment in the Tokyo Fire Department's fleet marks a significant step forward in the department's modernization strategy and will undoubtedly save lives in the years to come.
The Tokyo Fire Department's modernization strategy involves the integration of advanced technology in its operations, as evidenced by the inclusion of the Airbus H225, a helicopter equipped with state-of-the-art avionics and autopilot systems. Furthermore, the allocation of finance for the procurement of the H225 from the aerospace industry demonstrates the department's commitment to securing high-performance equipment for its lifesaving missions.
