8-Oct-2011 Source: HeliHub.com
Enstrom has recently shipped the second of two 480Bs to the Japanese Ground Self Defence Force. It will now go through some local configuration and Enstrom’s Sales Director Tracy Beigler expects it in service around February 2012.
The first aircraft has been operating very successfully, and Mr Beigler told HeliHub.com at Helitech that he expects the signature on the follow-on contract for 28 more 480Bs at the back end of this year or more likely January 2012. Japan had openly stated that they were looking to buy 30 aircraft for training use, and that the first two would be operated on a trial basis. Enstrom does not see anything in the way of this proceeding.
Jeremy Parkin – HeliHub.com