Finnish Border Guard receives first of two Airbus H215 helicopters

The Finnish Border Guard has received the first H215 helicopter from Airbus Helicopters.

The delivery followed a training session at the Airbus Helicopters headquarters in Marignane, France.

Delivered as part of deal signed between the European nation and the company, the contract also covers provision for maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) to retrofit the three AS332s aircrafts currently operational with the forces to the new H215 multirole configuration.

Additionally, a second H215 helicopter is expected to join the Finnish Force’s fleet this year.

Finnish Boarder Guards colonel Antti Pesari said: “Finland is the eighth largest country in the European Union but the most sparsely populated, with large sea areas and forest terrains and, due the northern location, very challenging weather conditions for search and rescue (SAR) operations.

“The H215’s avionics and autopilot combined with its capability to provide excellent performance in day or night operations are the reason why we are excited to have it join our fleet.”

The H215s will be used to perform border security and maritime search and rescue (SAR) duties from the Turku and Helsinki bases besides a wide range of other missions including utility airlift with internal and external loads, passenger transportation, fire fighting and medical evacuation, and peace-keeping and humanitarian deployments.

Powered by twin-engines, the helicopter combines advanced avionics and a reliable platform for rugged multi-mission capabilities.

Designed to comply with both EASA and FAA standards, the helicopter is capable of offering long range capabilities, power, speed, a large useful payload as well as good lifting performance.

Additionally, the aircraft features a glass cockpit and the 4-axis autopilot which facilitates flight envelope protection, sharp precision, and stability in even adverse conditions.

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Image: Powered by twin-engines, the H215 helicopter combines advanced avionics and a reliable platform for rugged multi-mission capabilities. Photo: © Airbus Helicopters 2015.