Agency Was Launch Customer For Popular Civil Helo

The French Délégation Générale pour l’Armement (DGA) signed a contract this week for five new Eurocopter EC145 helicopters, to be used by Sécurité Civile.

The three firm orders will be delivered from January 2009, enabling Sécurité Civile to phase out its last six Alouette III helicopters. This contract will allow Sécurité Civile -- the launch customer for the EC145 -- to complete its current fleet of 30 EC145 that were delivered between 2001 and 2005.

The current EC145 fleet of Sécurité Civile has accumulated over 60,000 flight hours, according to EADS representatives. This fleet is used for the following missions: Rescue, Fire fighting, Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Surveillance and Law Enforcement. EC145s are deployed on 22 Sécurité Civile bases located in France and in the French Overseas Territories.

The EC145 is Eurocopter’s latest entry into the light twin-engine helicopter market. Powered by two Turbomeca Arriel 1E2 engines, the EC145 can carry one or two pilots and eight or nine passengers. The helicopter offers a cruise speed of 135 kts, an advanced night vision goggle compatible glass cockpit, digital autopilot for both single or dual pilot applications and endurance of up to 3.5 hours.

FMI: www.eurocopter.com, www.defense.gouv.fr/dga_uk