The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) has ordered two Bombardier 415 multipurpose amphibious aircraft, becoming the first country in Asia to use the specially configured type.
The agency, which was set up in 2005 and is responsible for patrolling Malaysian waters, has been keen to boost its fixed-wing and amphibian capabilities after acquiring several helicopters in the past year.
To suit the MMEA's requirements, the Bombardier 415MPs will be equipped with a surveillance suite that includes two side-looking airborne radars, a forward-looking infrared radar, airborne maritime surveillance systems and other avionics and communications equipment.
 |
|---|
Bombardier says that the aircraft offers multi-mission capabilities as it can perform duties that previously required dedicated vessels and aircraft. This includes search and rescue, environmental protection, coastal patrol and transport. The sensors can locate and identify vessels, people in distress and pollutants, it adds.
"The aircraft's ability to fly at low speed and low altitude with great manoeuvrability and to land on water also makes it an ideal aircraft for coastal patrol missions," says Michel Bourgeois, president of Bombardier's specialised and amphibious aircraft division. The company adds that it has delivered 67 Bombardier 415s, which is also known as the SuperScooper due to its firefighting capabilities, since 1994.
Earlier this year, the MMEA bought three AgustaWestland AW139 helicopters for $61 million. This adds to the three Eurocopter AS365N3 Dauphins purchased last year. It is keen to acquire an additional three of each type, but a time frame has not been set for this.
The MMEA was established to remove the overlapping functions between various government agencies and focuses much of its attention on the Straits of Malacca, a vital global shipping artery, to crack down on piracy and smuggling. It has also been keen to acquire other fixed-wing and amphibian aircraft, and has been evaluating proposals for types including the ATR 42, Beechcraft King Air 350 and Fokker 50.
Source: Flight International
