China Helicopter Import

The Chinese Ministry of Communications (MOC) and Eurocopter have signed a contract for the acquisition of two 10/11 ton class EC 225. These aircrafts, the most up-to-date helicopters in their category, will be operated by the Rescue and Salvage Bureau to ensure Search and Rescue missions.

Present at the China Police 2006 Exhibition, Mr. Norbert Ducrot, Eurocopter Executive Vice President proudly declared:" They will be fully operational by end 2007, joining the reknown MOC helicopter fleet, ready to bring an outstanding contribution in the frame of the 2008 Summer Olympic Games."

The EC 225, the latest addition to the Super Puma family of twin-engine aircraft in the 10/11ton class performed its maiden flight in November 2000.

This versatile helicopter has been developed to perform a variety of missions such as Search And Rescue (SAR), police and anti-terrorism as well as Offshore and VIP transportation.

In July 2004, the EC 225 satisfied the most recent JAR 29 regulations, and was awarded its IFR certificate of airworthiness by the new European airworthiness authority EASA (European Aviation Safety Agency).

The EC 225 new technologies have improved performance (speed, maneuverability), comfort (vibration, noise) and flight safety – a quality that is particularly appreciated by the crews who have flown the helicopter.

More than 40 aircraft from the EC 225 family have already been ordered and the total number of orders for the Super Puma/ EC 225 family has increased to almost 700.

Let’s note that 21 Super Pumas are flying nowadays in China.

Eurocopter foresees a large development in the 10/11 ton segment in China. Thanks to its high transportation capabilities, the EC 225 is able to perform complex missions in a severe and vast environment.

Today Eurocopter is the front runner in the Chinese market with a 45% share in the civil and parapublic helicopter sector. Between now and 2015, it is predicted that China will need about 300 helicopters. The needs are huge to ensure surveillance, security, medical assistance, emergency medical evacuation, TV broadcasts, VIP transport, and other utility missions. Eurocopter, on account of its long and fruitful cooperation with China, wishes to further accompany the development of the Chinese industry in the helicopter area and reinforce this privileged partnership.

Can someone please provide some information about types and number of helicopters currently used for that role in China?
Also Eurocopter offered China EC135 & EC155 helicopters for security and surveillance requirements.

Originally Posted by KYli

China will import another 24 Mi171 from Russia, so the total inventory of Mi17 should excess 200 by now.

Do you know is this new deal or one signed in late 2005? I ask because they both state 24 helicopters from Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant.

Originally Posted by isthvan

Do you know is this new deal or one signed in late 2005? I ask because they both state 24 helicopters from Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant.

As far as I knew this is a new order, the article did mentioned that Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant outcompete Kazan by offering 700 thousands dollars less. And this is another batch of Mi171 that should fullfill by the end of the year, it also said the order was conclude in Jan 06 but contract was not signed until later.