Japan’s FDMA receives first HSA-equipped AS365 N3 helicopter

Eurocopter has successfully delivered a new AS365 N3 helicopter, equipped with a Helicopter Satellite Communication System (HSA), to the Fire and Disaster Management Agency (FDMA) of Japan.

The helicopter has been fitted with HSA, a high-speed, real-time transmission system that uses Earth-orbiting relay satellites, to enable direct transmission to satellites without interruption from the aircraft’s moving rotor blades, and relay data to ground receiving stations.

The Mitsubishi Electric-built HSA capability will also enable helicopters to provide satellite relay data even when ground-based networks are interrupted or when line-of-site broadcasts are hampered.

Eurocopter Japan CEO and president Stephane Ginoux said, "High-speed and real-time transmission from airborne helicopters is now a reality – available first to Japan, where the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake reaffirmed the importance of helicopters in disaster response and recovery coordination."

Integration of HSA on the AS365 N3 rotocraft was carried out by Eurocopter Japan to enable the FDMA to improve crisis response and coordination, while marketing and sales of the system to the department was overseen by Seiryo Electric.

The HSA-equipped AS365 N3 helicopter is scheduled to be operational early this month.

Capable of operating in all weather conditions, the AS365 N3 has been designed to provide a low noise signature, improved damage tolerance, increased Service Life Limit (SLL) and reduced maintenance.

Equipped with all composite Fenestron tail for higher manoeuvrability and optimal safety, the helicopter is integrated with four axis Auto Pilot and the weather radar to support range of missions including to search and rescue operations.

Japan currently operates a total of 55 AS365 helicopters and the aircraft is widely used by fire fighting services, disaster relief organisations, police agencies and the news media.