Tokyo Fire Department orders helicopter

MARIGNANE, France, Dec. 28 (UPI) -- A second, specially configured EC225 helicopter from Eurocopter of France has been ordered by Tokyo's fire department.

The aircraft is to be delivered in 2013. It will be the eighth Eurocopter aircraft in the Tokyo Fire Department's fleet.

"The Tokyo Fire Department has always sought to acquire helicopters with leading-edge capabilities, an illustration of Japan's strategy to equip its civil and government organizations with the best systems for missions ranging from fire-fighting to natural disaster response," said Eurocopter President and Chief Executive Officer Lutz Bertling.

"The latest EC225 acquisition further acknowledges the Tokyo Fire Department's confidence in Eurocopter, and we stand ready to support it to the fullest as continuing our relationship."

The RC225 for the department's Tachikawa Air Squadron will feature a fire-fighting system with belly-mounted water tank, emergency medical equipment and space for stretchers and search-and-rescue capabilities.

The fire department operates one EC225, four Dauphin N3s and two Super Puma aircraft.