Japan’s second largest fire department, the Osaka Municipal Fire Department (OMFD), has placed an order for one H155 helicopter for firefighting and rescue missions. Equipped with emergency medical service equipment, floodlighting and a helicopter video transmission system, this new addition will join the operator’s existing fleet in serving the entire Osaka prefecture, with a population of nearly nine million.

“OMFD is one of our longstanding customers, operating an all-Airbus fleet for over 40 years. We are honoured by the trust they place in us and are committed to providing quality products and support for their life-saving missions,” said Guillaume Leprince, Managing Director of Airbus Helicopters in Japan.

“With its large, spacious cabin and five-bladed rotor, which increases performance, reduces vibration and ensures low sound levels, this new H155 will enable Osaka’s air rescue team to perform its in-flight activities effectively and efficiently,” Leprince added. “Moreover, its rear-view camera system and the helicopter video transmission system will together enable safer and improved communication during missions.”

OMFD’s new H155 will replace one of OMFD’s two AS365N3s, which had entered service in 2005.

Airbus’ twin-engine H155 is designed for a wide range of missions, including business aviation, medical evacuation, search and rescue, and law enforcement operations. This five-tonne helicopter is an enhanced version of the proven Dauphin family – the most technologically-advanced rotary-wing aircraft in its category. With the largest cabin and lift capacity in its class, the H155 can transport up to 12 passengers. Equipment can also be easily loaded into its large baggage compartment. The H155 offers unmatched visibility and a discrete sound level for effective surveillance operations.

Since 1976, the OMFD’s Air Rescue Team has been supporting the Osaka city with its Airbus fleet, which includes the SA316B Alouette III, SA365N, AS365N2, and AS365N3.

Today in Japan, there are more than 50 helicopters from the Dauphin family being flown by civil and parapublic operators for various search and rescue missions, law enforcement, anti-disaster and fire-fighting, electronic news gathering, as well as passenger and goods transportation.