Gaborone - Botswana’s Police force today received its first two Eurocopter AS350 B3 ‘Ecureil” (Squirrel) helicopters for its newly formed Police Air Support Branch, opening a new chapter of mobile law enforcement and crime prevention in the country.
Delivery of the aircraft follows a 2007 order for three AS350 B3s, enabling Botswana to join the ranks of airborne police units around the world, which together, operate close to 300 of these extremely efficient, versatile and rugged machines. Eurocopter will deliver Botswana’s third police helicopter later this year.
Eurocopter Southern Africa CEO, Fabrice Cagnat said: “We are extremely proud to assist Botswana’s newly-established Police Air Support unit in getting airborne. The AS350 B3 has a proven track record in police missions - especially in hot and high conditions - and we are confident that these aircraft will make a valuable contribution to safeguarding the safety and security of Botswana and her citizens”.
Around the world, including Southern Africa, Eurocopter’s AS350 B3 remains a top-performing single-engined light helicopter and a firm favourite with police forces. The South African Police Services Air Wing operates a fleet of twelve AS350 B3s and a B2, the Angolan Police also fly the AS350 while neighbouring Namibia, has also selected the helicopter to equip its fledgling Police Air Support unit.
In addition to the helicopters, Eurocopter is also providing the Botswana Police Air Support Branch with type training for six pilots and technical training for three mechanics.
Eurocopter has also sponsored training by Carl Zeiss Optronics for two LEO system operators. The LEO system incorporates a set of day and night optical sensors and cameras, enabling the helicopter crew to conduct surveillance and to track and intercept suspects in daylight and in the dark.
Spectrolab SX 16 night sun, rescue hoist, cargo swing and external loud hailer speakers.
The AS350 B3 was selected for its unmatched performance and efficiency in Botswana’s typically hot and high elevation conditions. Its Turboméca Arriel 2B1 engine generates greater power, enabling the helicopter to carry heavier and versatile payloads (including sling load capacity) and to fly at a higher cruising speed in comparison with other similar size machines.
Please click on images below for a larger photo:
The AS350 B3 “Ecureuil” (Squirrel)
Eurocopter’s AS350 B3 comfortably accommodates up to seven people without compromising any of its performance versatility and was designed specifically with economy and simple, efficient servicing procedures in order to reduce operating and maintenance costs
The AS350 B3 performance and capabilities have resulted in its selection as the preferred helicopter for airborne police missions. Including Botswana, more than 190 of these helicopters are operated by 42 police forces in 25 countries around the world. In addition, about 70 twin-engine AS350 variants are operated by 34 police forces in 18 countries.
Eurocopter’s AS350 B3’s popularity in a law enforcement role can be attributed to its ability to meet all of a police flying unit forces’ main requirements. These include:
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Discretion during intervention (surprise tactics). The AS350 B3 has a very low noise level.
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Reduced workload for crew, providing safety and efficiency. This is made possible by the incorporation of state-of-the-art piloting, navigation and systems operations aids and minimal vibration level making it possible to use gyroscopically-stabilised surveillance equipment, such as cameras and search lights, with enhanced accuracy.
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Enlarged volume without partition between cabin and cockpit, to provide a permanent visual contact between crew and observers. The aircraft has a spacious flat floor cabin and sliding doors with seating ergonomically arranged to direct visual contact between all occupants.
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Easy accessibility to engine and avionics components
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Field of view as large as possible to enable working in good conditions for all mission participants. The AS350 B3 has wide windows and glazing areas.
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Capacity to be equipped with all latest police equipment and high versatility of that equipment. The helicopter is renowned for its ability to accommodate a wide and ever-expanding variety of specialised policing and surveillance equipment, which can be installed and removed in a short time
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Multi-role capability
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Long endurance, to fulfil missions without refuelling, even if the intervention zone is faraway from the base. The AS350 B3 has over four hours endurance at its most efficient speed.
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Good availability and low maintenance costs
About Eurocopter
Established in 1992, the Franco-German-Spanish Eurocopter Group is a Division of EADS, a world leader in aerospace, defence and related services. The Eurocopter Group employs approx. 14,000 people. In 2007, Eurocopter confirmed its position as the world’s No. 1 helicopter manufacturer in the civil and parapublic market, with a turnover exceeding 4 billion Euros, orders for 802 new helicopters, and a 53 percent market share in the civil and parapublic sectors. Overall, the Group’s products account for 30 percent of the total world helicopter fleet. Its strong worldwide presence is ensured by its 17 subsidiaries on five continents, along with a dense network of distributors, certified agents and maintenance centres. More than 10,000 Eurocopter helicopters are currently in service with over 2,800 customers in 140 countries. Eurocopter offers the largest civil and military helicopter range in the world.
Eurocopter Southern Africa Pty. Ltd. was formed in 1994. It has its headquarters at Lanseria International Airport as well as service centres in Cape Town and Durban. Eurocopter Southern Africa serves a fleet of more than 230 helicopters.
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