The Government in the Oita Preferecture in Japan has issued a tender for a “fire disaster prevention helicopter”. Specifications include the need for the helicopter to fit into its current hangar without altering that – or folding the helicopter’s blades. Local reports indicate that would rule out both the Bell 412 and AgustaWestland AW139, and it is thus likely that the types being put forward would reduce to the local Kawasaki-built H145 or the AS365/H155 range from Airbus in France.

The Oita Prefecture currently flies a Kawaskai KB117C-1. The tender closes on 2nd June, and delivery of the helicopter is required before 28th February 2017.

John Burcote – HeliHub.com