They WILL Be Watching

Aero-News learned Monday the Department of Homeland Security has ordered five more EC120s from American Eurocopter, increasing to 15 the total number of these single-engine helicopters being acquired for front-line operations by the US Customs and Border Protection agency.

The EC120s will support Customs and Border Protection missions in low-altitude surveillance and security patrol of America’s borders. As the quietest helicopter in its class, the EC120 is well suited for duty with the agency, and its environmentally-friendly operation enables missions to be flown in wildlife zones contained within the Customs and Border Protection’s area of responsibility.

"We are ready to support this further expansion of Customs and Border Protection’s EC120 fleet, which reinforces our 20-year heritage of supplying helicopters to US national and homeland security agencies," said Marc Paganini, American Eurocopter President and CEO.

The first EC120 from the original order of 10 aircraft was delivered to Customs and Border Protection during a July 21 ceremony at American Eurocopter’s Columbus, MO production facility.

The remaining 14 helicopters also will undergo completion and customization at Columbus, and are scheduled to be delivered one per month... until all 15 are deployed on assignments along the nation's borders.

The EC120 is the first light single-engine helicopter to incorporate the latest technology available, including a Vehicle and Engine Multifunction Display (VEMD) in the cockpit, the Fenestron tail rotor, and Turbomeca's ARRIUS engine that generates a takeoff power of 504 shp.

Eurocopter states the EC120's design makes it the most comfortable helicopter in its category, with a wide cabin that accommodates up to five persons and provides excellent visibility through large cabin windows -- all important aspects to consider when patrolling.

There are nearly 390 EC120s in service with US and international operators, logging a combined flying time of more than 354,500 total hours.

FMI: www.eurocopterusa.com