Airbus Helicopters has completed delivery of the final H135 training helicopters to the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF).
The new 14th and 15th H135s will join the 13 helicopters that have been in operation with the JMSDF since 2011.
A variant of Airbus Helicopters’ light twin-engine H135, the JMSDF’s TH-135 replaces the single-engine training helicopter fleet and is being used for advanced training missions.
Airbus Helicopters Japan managing director Stephane Ginoux said: "We are delighted to be able to deliver all fifteen TH-135s on time.
"We are committed to upkeep the highest quality of safety and efficiency of their training missions by providing prompt parts procurement, maintenance and technical support services."
In Japan, around 80 H135s are currently operated in a range of roles that include emergency medical services, police work, electronic news gathering, VIP transport and business aviation.
Belonging to the 3t class of Airbus Helicopter’s light twin-engine helicopters, the H135 can accommodate up to eight passengers, while the TH-135 has a seating capacity of five.
The helicopter consumes low fuel, provides higher payloads over longer distances, and delivers high performance levels.
Fitted with a bearingless main rotor and Airbus Helicopters’ Fenestron shrouded tail rotor, the copter delivers enhanced cost effectiveness, noise reduction and ground safety.
Airbus has delivered more than 1,200 H135 helicopters, which form part of training systems in Germany, Switzerland, Spain and Japan, and are also in service in Australia with the Victorian and New South Wales police forces.
Image: The TH-135 variant of Airbus Helicopters’ light twin-engine H135. Photo: © Airbus-Helicopters-Japan_Koichi_NAKAGAW.
