Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department becomes Japan’s first H215 operator

The Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) has signed a contract for one H215, making it the first operator in Japan to operate the rotorcraft when it is delivered in 2020.  Currently operating a fleet of 14 helicopters, the largest police air corps in Japan plans to enhance its law enforcement activities with this new H215.

The brand new H215 will be delivered ahead of the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics, and is dedicated for missions including personnel and VIP transportation, material transport, as well as wide area support missions. The high-performance rotorcraft is fully-operational and is capable of covering the entire Tokyo region, including the Izu islands. The heavy lift helicopter will also be involved in missions conducted nationwide.

The H215 will also join the H135 and H155 helicopters in supporting the day-to-day patrol and rescue missions in Tokyo.

“We are honoured by the Metropolitan Police Department’s renewed confidence in us with this new order of the H215, and especially delighted that this highly efficient helicopter will join the rest of Airbus’ helicopters in supporting one of the world’s largest police air corps.  More importantly, we are grateful for the opportunity to serve our customer for close to 30 years by now, and for many more year to come as the Airbus Helicopters team in Japan continues to ensure the fullest support”, said Olivier Tillier, Managing Director of Airbus Helicopters Japan. 

The twin-engine, heavy lift H215 is a member of the Super Puma/Cougar rotorcraft family, known for its high availability rate, performance and competitive operating cost. Equipped with state-of-the-art technologies, the rotorcraft consists of two versions -- one tailored for multi-role operations and the other for aerial work/utility missions.