Japan Coast Guard (JCG) is expanding its fleet with two new H225 helicopters, taking its total Super Puma fleet to 17, comprising two AS332s and 15 H225s. The largest Super Puma operator in Japan received its tenth H225 in February this year. The new helicopters will join its growing fleet to support territorial coastal activities, security enforcement, as well as disaster relief missions in the country.

“From the first Super Puma delivery nearly 30 years ago to the latest H225 orders, we greatly appreciate Japan Coast Guard's continued trust in our products and services,” says Guillaume Leprince, MD of Airbus Helicopters in Japan. “This repeat H225 order reinforces the aircraft's position as a reference in SAR operations and security enforcement. We are proud of how the deployment of the agency's fleet has ensured mission success throughout the years. Airbus will continue to ensure the fleet's high availability, in support of the agency's safe operations.”

JCG's H225 fleet is covered by Airbus' HCare Smart full-by-the-hour material support. This customised fleet availability programme allows the agency to focus on its flight operations whilst Airbus manages its assets.

Offering good range, speed, payload and reliability in the 11-ton-category twin-engine rotorcraft, the H225 is the latest member of Airbus Helicopters' Super Puma family that has accumulated more than 5.7 million flight hours in all-weather conditions around the world. Equipped with electronic instruments and renowned autopilot precision, the H225 offers endurance and a fast cruise speed, and can be fitted with various equipment to suit a variety of roles.

Close to 30 helicopters from the Super Puma family are currently flown in Japan by civil, parapublic operators and Japan's Ministry of Defence for various SAR missions, VIP, firefighting and passenger and goods transportation.