Eurocopter has signed a deal at Asian Aerospace with the Royal Thai Police for three EC155 Dauphins.
The deal builds on a relationship with the service, which will use the medium twin-engined helicopters for VVIP missions, says Eurocopter. The helicopters will be delivered in 2011 and join another two EC155s already in service with the Royal Thai Police.
"We are delighted at this proof of confidence from the Royal Thai Police. We have been present in Thailand for nearly 20 years and have recently opened a branch office in Bangkok to provide better support to our customers in the region," says Bernhard Brenner, president of Eurocopter South-East Asia.
Capt Chesda Indrasthitya, aviation commander of the Royal Thai Police, adds: "Our past experiences have shown that it is a truly versatile helicopter that fully meets our mission requirements."
Eurocopter says that the EC155's high speed, increased payload and long endurance capacities also make it an ideal tool for various law enforcement operations such as patrol, airborne surveillance, and search and rescue. It large cabin can transport up to 13 members of tactical units and equipment over long distances, it adds.
In Europe, the helicopter is used primarily to patrol land and sea borders. In Asian countries such as China, Hong Kong, Japan and Thailand, it is also deployed to patrol territorial waters and on firefighting missions.
Source: Flight Daily News
