Royal Thai Police receives first search & rescue configured Airbus Helicopters AS365 N3+

The Royal Thai Police (RTP) received its first of two Airbus Helicopters AS365 N3+ that were ordered between 2012 and 2013. Configured for search and rescue (SAR) missions, the AS365 N3+ is outfitted with equipment including electrical hoist, rappelling installation, cargo sling and search lights. The RTP’s Airbus Helicopters fleet currently comprises five EC155s from the Dauphin family, which have been in operation since 2009 as Royal transport aircraft. To boost their SAR capabilities, the RTP placed an order for two units of the AS365 N3+, another medium class helicopter from the Dauphin family, in 2012 and 2013 respectively. The first aircraft arrived in Bangkok yesterday, and the second unit is due to be delivered in mid-2015.