Japan's All Nippon Helicopter has ordered two AS365 N3+ Dauphin helicopters to support the newsgathering operations of Japanese broadcaster NHK.
ANH already operates six AS365 N2s and six EC135 T2s, said Eurocopter in a statement. The two new aircraft will be delivered in 2013 and 2014.
Eurocopter Japan T&E, a local unit of Eurocopter Japan, will install high definition cameras on the two helicopters.
"The electronic newsgathering market in Japan is 10 times bigger than Europe," says Eurocopter.
©Eurocopter
"Japanese broadcasting companies frequently purchase their own helicopters - a phenomenon that is observed significantly more in Japan than in other developed markets," it adds.
The AS365 N3+ is an upgraded version of the AS365 N3, says Eurocopter.
It adds that the helicopters low vibration level, long range and high speed make it useful in the newsgathering role. Pilot workload is eased through a four-axis autopilot.
Source: Flight International
