Hiratagakuen strengthens Japan’s aeromedical operations with Airbus fleet

Kansai-based helicopter operator Hiaratagakuen welcomed its second H145//BK117D

Tokyo, Kansai-based helicopter operator Hiaratagakuen welcomed its second H145//BK117D-2 today, following the milestone delivery of its first unit in December 2017. Currently operating 14 H135 and one H145//BK117D-2, this new H145//BK117D-2 will join Hiratagakuen’s growing fleet to support emergency medical service (EMS) missions, and serves as a passenger and material transport. The first H145//BK117D-2 has already entered service in June 2018 for aeromedical operations at the Nagasaki Medical Centre in Nagasaki Prefecture.

With Japan’s full-scale deployment of air ambulances in 2001, EMS helicopters, otherwise known as ‘Doctor Helicopters’, have taken on more prominent roles in the country, enabling rapid evacuation of casualties from affected sites, and providing critical care without delay aboard medically equipped helicopters, while in transit to the medical facility. In 2010, the Kansai government implemented region-wide EMS support network and Hiratagakuen became its main operator of these life-saving missions. Today, there are over 50 helicopters supporting emergency medical missions in 42 prefectures across Japan.

Mitsuhiro Hirata, Vice President, Aviation Operation Division of Hiratagakuen said at the delivery ceremony: “Operating in a time-sensitive EMS environment where every second matters, it is important for us to be equipped with the right helicopters for these demanding aeromedical missions. We have been well supported by a strong Airbus fleet for nearly two decades, especially with the recent introduction of the H145//BK117D-2 helicopters into our operations. We are confident that the timely addition of the second H145 helicopter will augment our aeromedical operations, as we continue to perform life-saving missions safely in the country.”

Olivier Tillier, Managing Director of Airbus Helicopters Japan commented: “Airbus is happy to play a supportive role in Japan’s EMS ecosystem, especially with the first EMS-configured H145//BK117D-2 entering service into Hiratagakuen’s fleet early summer this year, joining soon by its second unit for aeromedical operations. Given its flexibility, agility and high operational efficiency, we know that our H145//BK117D-2 will continue to lend capable support to Hiratagakuen’s every EMS mission.”

The H145//BK117D-2 is developed in co-operation with Kawasaki Heavy Industries to deliver excellent performance throughout the flight envelope. It comes with the state-of-the-art Helionix avionics suite and designed-in mission capability and flexibility, especially in high and hot operating conditions. With a large cabin, a compact airframe and powerful engines, the H145//BK117D-2 is the aircraft of choice for a variety of missions including EMS, air rescue, law enforcement and aerial work. More than 1,400 H145//BK117D-2 helicopters have been delivered worldwide, achieving close to 5 million flight hours.

SIKORSKY DELIVERS SECOND S-92® HELICOPTER TO SOUTH KOREA COAST GUARD

COATESVILLE, Pa., June 27, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The South Korea Coast Guard has accepted delivery of its second S-92® helicopter for search and rescue following a ceremony today. Sikorsky is a Lockheed Martin company (NYSE: LMT).

The South Korea Coast Guard has operated a single S-92 helicopter since March 2014.  To date, that aircraft has flown more than 850 flight hours, saving more than 30 lives flying search and rescue and emergency medical transport missions.

Most recently, on June 2, a 50-year old man was rescued from a ship by the Korea Coast Guard's S-92 helicopter.  A dispatched crew responded to the distress call, reached the victim, and safely transported him to a hospital for care in just 30 minutes.  The victim is recovering.

"The safety and performance of our current S-92 aircraft has truly provided reliability when it comes to the time-sensitive mission of saving lives," said the South Korea Coast Guard's Senior Superintendent and Factory Acceptance Test Inspection Team Lead, Kim Youngmo. "We look forward to putting this new aircraft into operations to continue performing our mission."

"We are honored by your trust in Sikorsky and in our S-92 helicopter when performing these critical missions," said Audrey Brady, general manager, Sikorsky Coatesville Operations. "We look forward to continuing our relationship and, as always, we are committed to providing world class support to your fleet."

Following the aircraft's shipment to South Korea, aircrews will conduct training in-country. The aircraft is expected to enter service by year-end.

Since 2004, Sikorsky has delivered more than 275 S-92 helicopters, predominantly to operators serving the worldwide offshore oil and gas industry, and for civil search and rescue operations. Eleven nations fly the S-92 helicopter for their head of state missions. In May 2014, Sikorsky was selected to build the next U.S. Presidential Helicopter Fleet, the world's most advanced executive transport helicopter, using the S-92 platform.

To learn more about the South Korea Coast Guard's work with the S-92 helicopter see: Sikorsky Celebrates Two South Korean Coast Guard Crews with Winged-S Rescue Awards