The Homeland Security Dept. is calling for more of the Eurocopter aircraft for its Customs and Border Protection service. The vendor, American Eurocopter, expects the indefinite quantity/ indefinite delivery contract to cover up to 50 more AS350B3s during its base year and four one-year options. The contract has a value of up to $150 million. Customs and Border Protection today operates 48 AS350s and 15 EC120s, and has five more EC120s on order. The initial order of 17 AS350B3s calls for delivery of 17 aircraft starting in 2009. The aircraft are to be produced at American Eurocopter’s Columbus, Mississippi facility. For related news
Colombia Orders Extended-Range Tanks
Helicopter Support Inc. has sold 12 extended-range helicopter fuel tanks to the Colombian air force. The Trumbull, Conn.-based Sikorsky Aircraft subsidiary said the tanks will be installed on Bell Helicopter Huey 2s. For related news
AgustaWestland's multi-role, single-engine helicopter, the AW119 Ke, entered service with several operators in Europe and North America. Spain took delivery of its first two of eight AW119s to help the country fight fires. The AW119 has an increased take-off weight (6,283 lb) and an increased operational envelope. The helicopter can carry six passengers with fuel for more than 500nm.
Cover Story World Roundup: Around the World Airborne Police are Climbing High
Growing recognition of homeland security needs, the availability of funding to meet them, and new equipment to support those missions are lifting police air units from England to Indonesia. Law enforcement agencies across the globe are recognizing the value...
Ernie Stephens
Market Round-Up: Europe: Shifting From Hardware To Operator Services
With operators seeking lower operating costs and more efficient support, OEMs are moving toward managing life-cycle costs. PARIS — Europe’s helicopter industry is preparing for major changes in the way it does business. These are not all yet clearly visible, and depend to a large extent on how... More »
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