MARIGNANE, France, Jan. 16 (UPI) -- The first batch of EC135 helicopters ordered by the Spanish armament procurement agency has been delivered to the country by Airbus Helicopters.
The EC135 is a twin-engine aircraft with a cruise speed of 158 miles per hour and a range of 343 nautical miles. Spain late last year ordered eight of the helicopters.
Airbus Helicopters, formerly Eurocopter, said the first two of eight aircraft were delivered to the Spanish Army Airmobile Force at a company facility in Spain. The remaining six aircraft will be delivered throughout this year. The aircraft will also be allocated to the CEFAMET Helicopter School Battalion, the Spanish Army Airmobile Force training center.
"The EC135 meets the requirements of the Spanish armed forces in full, and this contract is another show of confidence in us on the part of the Spanish Ministry of Defense," said Airbus Helicopters Espana Chief Executive Officer Francisco Verge.
Spain has a fleet of more than 60 EC135s.They play a key role in military training and are widely used by the country's security forces.
