EH101 is 'number one' in Japan

Citation

(1999), "EH101 is 'number one' in Japan", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 71 No. 4. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.1999.12771dab.020

EH101 is 'number one' in Japan

EH101 is "number one" in Japan

Keywords: Kawasaki, Helicopters

The Tokyo Metropolitan Police (TMP) were the proud recipients of an EH101 helicopter at a special hand-over ceremony at Kawasaki's Gifu factory recently.

The helicopter was received on behalf of the TMP by Captain Seki, Head of the Air Wing, from Mr Motobayashi, Trustee of Okura & Co., who successfully completed the contract after an interruption caused by the bankruptcy of Okura last August. Also in attendance were members of the TMP, and representatives from Marubeni Aerospace Corporation (who took over Okura's aerospace department) and Kawasaki, who will support the aircraft in service (Plate 9>).

Mr Richard Case, Chief Executive of GKN Westland Helicopters, representing Agusta and GKN Westland, Giacomo Saponaro, Managing Director of EH Industries Ltd, Angelo Comotti, Agusta Sales Director and Richard Thornley, General Manager of GKN Westland Tokyo, were also present.

TMP's EH101, named Ozora Ichigo ("Number one of the big sky") will be the largest in their fleet and replaces a KV107. The helicopter is equipped with a rear ramp and will be used to patrol Tokyo City, Tokyo Bay (including the Ogasawara Islands) and for rescue and emergency evacuation (Plate 10).

Plate 9 The hand-over of civil utility EH101 to the Tokyo Metropolitan Police on March 25, 1999: (left to right) Richard Tomley, general manger, GKN Westland Tokyo Office; Giacomo Saponaro, managing director, EH Industries; Captain Seki, Head of Air Wing, TMP; Mr Otobayashi, Trustee Okura & Co; Richard Case, chief executive, GKN Westland Helicopters,; Mr Y Emori, general manager, Marubeni; Mr Angelo Comotti, sales director, Agusta; Mr Y Sutomi, president, Marubeni Aeropsace, Mr T Komaki, Kawasaki Aerospace; Mr Kawaji, Kawasaki Aearospace

Plate 10 Ozora Ichigo - number one of the big sky - is a civil utility variant of the Anglo-Italian EH101 medium lift, multi-role helicopter operated by the Tokyo Metropolitan Police. The airlift is fitted to carry 30 passengers in a standard, central aisle airline cabin configuration