American Eurocopter and EADS North America have clinched a five-year contract, valued at up to $75 million, from the US Department of Homeland Security to supply over 55 single-engined EC120 helicopters to the US Customs and Border Protection Agency. The aircraft will replace the agency's fleet of "Vietnam-era" helicopters and will be produced at Eurocopter's new manufacturing plant in Columbus, Mississippi. The light-observation helicopter fleet will provide low-level surveillance and security patrol of US borders to detect, interdict and apprehend persons either trying to illegally enter the USA or conduct illegal activity, says American Eurocopter.
Source: Flight International
