Taiwan's air force to commission 3 Europe-made rescue choppers
ROC Central News Agency
2012/06/18 19:47:13
Taipei, June 18 (CNA) The Air Force is set to commission three search-and-rescue helicopters purchased from Europe into service in July, in a move to beef up its disaster relief capabilities, the Ministry of National Defense said Monday.
The advanced EC-225 helicopters, which Taiwan took delivery from Eurocopter last November, will mark the first time the Air Force incorporates Europe-made choppers in its rescue squadron.
President Ma Ying-jeou is expected to host the commissioning ceremony in Taipei, according to the military.
The rescue squadron currently operates S-70C choppers, the Air Force said.
Compared with S-70Cs that incorporate a four-blade rotor, the all-weather EC-225 helicopters have a five-blade main rotor that can reduce vibration levels and increase its capacity to up to 24 passengers.
The EC-225 choppers are also equipped with de-icing systems, life rafts, automatic flight control systems and other advanced devices.
The EC-225 was first developed by Eurocopter in 1998. Taiwan placed its order for three of them at a cost of US$110 million.
The helicopters are 19.5 meters long, have a maximum take-off weight of 11.2 tons and a range of 857 km, in comparison with the S-70Cs' take-off weight of 9 tons and a range of 550 km.
(By Elaine Hou)
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