France’s Directorate General for Armaments (DGA) has announed that the second of two EC225 helicotpers was delivered on July 23 to their Navy’s. These aircraft were ordered in December 2009 to replace recently retired Super Frelon helicopters. They will be implemented from the naval aviation base at Lanvéoc (Finistère) for marine safety duties including SAR.

The press release describes the helicopters as follows:-

Helicopter Class of 11 tons, the EC 225 can carry up to 24 passengers. Its maximum speed is 325 km / h. Its system of 4-axis autopilot allows him to hold a hover over the area of intervention in extreme weather conditions deteriorated.

To perform rescue missions at sea, the EC 225 SECMAR is equipped with a winch to hoist carrying two people simultaneously, or a stretcher. Its crew includes two pilots, a winch, a diver, and a doctor in case of need. Equipped with additional tanks, the EC 225 SECMAR is able to perform a rescue at 250 nautical (465 km) from the coast to benefit 15 people.