Finnish Border Guard to receive additional AS332 L1 helicopters

Eurocopter has received a contract to deliver two additional AS332 L1 Super Puma helicopters for the Finnish Border Guard to better perform maritime search and rescue missions in challenging conditions.

Under the contract, Eurocopter will supply fully equipped helicopters that are configured as the AS332 L1e version for Finnish Border Guard.

The rotorcraft will also feature integrated advanced cockpit and automatic flight control systems used on Eurocopter’s EC225 helicopter in addition to high-definition forward-looking infrared (FLIR) technology, a four-axis autopilot and full deicing for day/night operations.

Eurocopter Northern Europe and Benelux sales head Jacques Cardaillac said, "This latest acquisition once again demonstrates the AS332’s qualities in highly demanding missions, and it underscores the Finnish Border Guard continued confidence in the Super Puma as a long-time operator."

Currently, the Finnish Border Guard operates three twin engine AS332L1 rotorcraft at its Turku base on the southwest coast of Finland.

The two new AS332 L1e medium-weight civil helicopters will be inducted along with the existing AS332 L1 fleet, while optimising resources for logistics and maintenance management, as well as training of pilots and technicians.

The aircraft are scheduled to be delivered in 2015 and will be based at Helsinki, Finland.