Eurocopter Japan delivers first helicopter equipped for high-speed, real-time data transmission

The capabilities of Japan’s Fire and Disaster Management Agency (FDMA) in crisis response and coordination will be significantly improved following its introduction of a Eurocopter AS365 N3 helicopter equipped with a high-speed, real-time transmission system using Earth-orbiting relay satellites. This installation – called the Helicopter Satellite Communication System (HSA) – enables direct transmission to satellites without interruption from a helicopter’s moving rotor blades, and relays data to ground receiving stations. Developed by Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, its retrofit integration on the AS365 N3 was handled by the Eurocopter Japan subsidiary of Eurocopter, which also is responsible for the installation’s approval process with Japan’s Civil Aviation Bureau.