Aircraft Will Fly Humanitarian Missions And VIP Airlift

The Bangladesh Army has marked its formal service introduction of two new Eurocopter AS365 N3+ Dauphin helicopters, which will be deployed on United Nations humanitarian missions and operated in multi-role transport duties for the republic. Supplied through the Eurocopter South East Asia subsidiary, these are the first Eurocopter-built rotorcraft to join the Bangladesh Army’s aviation fleet, and they were presented Tuesday during a ceremony at the military service’s Dhaka Cantonment headquarters.

In preparation for the twin-engine Dauphin’s service introduction, an initial group of Bangladesh Army pilots attended ground school classes at Eurocopter South East Asia’s Singapore facility, and were trained in the subsidiary’s AS365 N3+ full-flight simulator. Additional crew members are to follow, including pilots who will be qualified as instructors.
 
“These two Dauphins will significantly enhance our capabilities, as we continue to participate actively in world peacekeeping missions,” explained Brigadier General Abdullah Al Azhar, commander of the ad hoc army aviation group. “The provision of simulator training by Eurocopter South East Asia has greatly facilitated the service entry of the aircraft, allowing our pilots to operate them from the onset with confidence and ease.”
 
To cater to the growing Dauphin fleet in Asia, Eurocopter South East Asia was designated earlier this year as the regional hub to provide training, major inspection and heavy structural repairs for the Dauphin family of helicopters.
 
“We welcome the Bangladesh Army to Eurocopter’s global family of operators,” said Bernard Brenner, President & CEO of Eurocopter South East Asia. “Their confidence in our products stems not just from the Dauphin’s proven capabilities, but also from our ability to provide them with the full suite of support and services, which comes as a direct benefit from Eurocopter’s policy of being in close proximity to the customers.”
 
Eurocopter’s AS365 N3+ is equipped with Arriel 2C turboshaft engines, an increased gross weight, a 4-axis autopilot and glass cockpit.

(Photo by Kiw Hui Bin provided by Eurocopter South East Asia)

FMI: www.eurocopter.com