Eurocopter Japan delivers first HSA equiped helicopter to Japanese FDMA

                     
Japan’s Fire and Disaster Management Agency (FDMA) has taken delivery of the first AS365 N3 helicopter that has been equiped with the Helicopter Satellite Communication System (HSA) – this system enables direct transmission to satellites without interruption from a helicopter’s moving rotor blades, and relays data to ground receiving stations.

Developed by Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, its retrofit integration on the AS365 N3 was handled by the Eurocopter Japan subsidiary of Eurocopter, which also is responsible for the installation’s approval process with Japan’s Civil Aviation Bureau. Seiryo Electric Corporation is responsible for the system’s marketing and sales to the FDMA.

“High-speed and real-time transmission from airborne helicopters is now a reality – available first to Japan, where the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake reaffirmed the importance of helicopters in disaster response and recovery coordination,” explained Stephane Ginoux, the president & CEO of Eurocopter Japan. “With this technology now available for Japan’s disaster prevention network, the next step will be offering such capability to customers in other countries – benefitting from Eurocopter’s international reach and the support of its EADS parent company.”

Currently, 55 AS365s are operated in Japan. Eurocopter has a 60 percent market share in the Japanese fire-fighting segment, which includes operations of the BK117 helicopter – developed jointly with Japan’s Kawasaki Heavy Industries.

Photograph: © Copyright Eurocopter Japan, Chikako Hirano