, MARIGNANE, France: Eurocopter signed a significant contract with the French Gendarmerie for the acquisition of 37 EC135 (12 firm orders and 25 options) valued at EUR 233 million.
These EC135, which will be used for police missions, will replace the single-engine Ecureuil B, BA and B1 that the French Gendarmerie has been operating since 1980. The first helicopters will be delivered during the last quarter of 2008.
At the same time, the French Gendarmerie confirmed an option for three EC145. With this option, the EC145 fleet of the Gendarmerie will include fifteen aircraft, mainly used for missions in high altitude and in inhospitable environment. The EC145 will replace the fleet of Alouette III.
The Gendarmerie is one of the biggest helicopter users for public service, in terms of flight hours and number of aircraft operated. They have been using the helicopter for more than 50 years.
The French Customs also confirmed an option for 2 EC135. A first order for three EC135 took place in December 2005 including this option for two additional aircraft. The French Customs are currently operating eight twin-engine Ecureuil. Their helicopters are used for fighting against customs and tax evasion, protection of the environment and fishing police.
Established in 1992, the Franco-German-Spanish Eurocopter Group is a Division of EADS, a world leader in aerospace, defence and related services. The Eurocopter Group employs approx. 13,000 people. In 2005, Eurocopter confirmed its position as the world
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