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."

FMI: www.eurocopterusa.com, www.eadsnorthamerica.com