Windhoek - Eurocopter, the world’s leading helicopter manufacturer, today delivered an AS350 B3 “Squirrel” to Namibia’s fledgling Police Airwing during a ceremony in the Namibian capital.
The country’s Police Airwing was established in 2008 and will use the helicopter in crime prevention operations throughout the country.
Namibia’s Police Airwing joins similar units in South Africa and Botswana that also operate AS350 B3 aircraft.
Eurocopter Southern Africa’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Fabrice Cagnat, said: “we are proud that Eurocopter’s AS350 B3 helicopter has been selected for this crucial law enforcement and policing role in Namibia. We are certain that Namibia and all of its citizens, like so many millions of people in other countries around the world, will reap the benefits that this investment in a modern, efficient and mobile crime-fighting tool will deliver to all of its citizens”.
In addition to supplying the helicopter, Eurocopter Southern Africa Ltd has also facilitated rotorwing flight training for two new pilots at Starlight Aviation in Durban and conducted type conversion training for two experienced pilots at its own facility at Lanseria Airport near Johannesburg, South Africa. In addition, it 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.
Under a support package, Eurocopter is providing a full set of customised tools and spare parts customised for the Namibian aircraft to ensure the flight availability of the AS350 B3, a helicopter noted for its unsurpassed reliability.
The AS350 B3 was selected for its unmatched performance and efficiency in Namibia’s typically hot and high elevation conditions. It’s 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.
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 Namibia, 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:
- Discretion during intervention (surprise tactics). The AS350 B3 has a very low noise level.
- 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.
- 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.
- Easy accessibility to engine and avionics components
- 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.
- 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
- Multi-role capability
- 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.
- 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.
For more information, please contact:
|