Wed, Oct 06, 2004
US subsidiary of Eurocopter to supply 55 aircraft to US Customs
and Border Protection Agency
American Eurocopter --
a subsidiary of Eurocopter and EADS North America -- announced on
Monday that the company has been awarded a contract by the
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to supply more than 55
aircraft to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency. The
value of the award is potentially $75 million over the five-year
term of the contract.
American Eurocopter will use the EC120 for the Law Enforcement
Equipped Single Engine Light Observation Helicopters - or "Light
Sign Cutter" fleet. The single-engine turbine EC120 is the quietest
helicopter in its class, making it one of the most
environmentally-friendly helicopters that can be flown in some of
the wildlife areas contained within the Border Patrol's area of
operation. The aircraft offers excellent endurance, unmatched cabin
visibility and compliance with energy attenuating capability. The
EC120 offers excellent value to the Department of Homeland
Security. Currently, more than 380 EC120 aircraft are in operation
worldwide.
The Light Sign Cutter
fleet of more than 55 EC120 aircraft will be produced in
Mississippi at the company's second and newest manufacturing
facility in Columbus, adjacent to the Golden Triangle Airport.
The U.S. Border Patrol's primary consideration in making the
selection was to procure a helicopter that was technically
compliant with its mission requirements. The light observation
helicopter fleet will provide low-level surveillance and security
patrol of U.S. borders to detect, interdict and apprehend persons
either trying to illegally enter the United States or conduct
illegal activity along U.S. borders. The majority of the U.S.
Border Patrol's current light observation fleet consists of
Vietnam-era surplus helicopters that are slated for replacement by
the EC120.
The Department of Homeland Security currently operates 96
helicopters (HH-65 Dolphin) for the U.S. Coast Guard and 44 AS350
AStar light utility helicopters.
"We have been working with the Department of Homeland Security
for more than 16 years, and they are our largest para-public
customer," said Marc Paganini, President and CEO, American
Eurocopter. "I am pleased that we have established a track record
of excellence, and are able to continue and expand our relationship
with the DHS - and support the business of protecting America."
Ralph D. Crosby Jr.,
Chairman and CEO EADS North America, member of the EADS N.V.
Executive Committee said: "We are pleased and proud of this
competitive award. This award builds upon the great success our
aircraft have enjoyed in the law-enforcement and para-public
communities in the United States. With this contract we will honor
our commitment to providing best value products to the U.S.
government, and also importantly, our commitment to provide jobs
and growth in the Columbus, Mississippi community."
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