Two Eurocopter-built AS365 N3+ Dauphin multipurpose helicopters have formally entered service with the Bangladeshi Army during a ceremony at Station Headquarters Dhaka Cantonment, in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Representing the first Eurocopter-built rotorcraft to join the country’s army aviation fleet, the helicopters were delivered by Eurocopter South East Asia (ESEA) for use during UN humanitarian and VIP transport missions.
Go deeper with GlobalData
Ad hoc army aviation group commander brigadier general Abdullah Al Azhar said the helicopters would significantly improve the army’s capabilities to actively participate in peacekeeping missions worldwide.
"The provision of simulator training by Eurocopter South East Asia has greatly facilitated the service entry of the aircraft, allowing our pilots to operate them from the onset with confidence and ease," Azhar said
Eurocopter South East Asia president and CEO Bernard Brenner added that the army’s selection of Dauphin helicopters was not just based on its proven capabilities, but also the company’s ability to offer full suite of support and services.
An initial group of Bangladeshi Army pilots received operator training in the AS365 N3+ full-flight simulator at ESEA’s Singapore facility, in preparation for the helicopter’s service introduction.
The company is also scheduled to provide training to additional crew members, including pilots who will be qualified as instructors.
Powered by two powerful Arriel 2C turboshaft engines, the AS365 N3+ is Eurocopter’s latest member in the Dauphin helicopter line, featuring glass cockpit and a four-axis autopilot to enable search-and-rescue (SAR) operations in high altitudes and extreme climatic conditions.
Additional features include a full authority digital engine control (FADEC) system, all-composite Fenestron tail rotor, traffic alert and collision avoidance system (TCAS), as well as an automatic deployable emergency locator transmitter (ADELT) for optimal safety for passengers and ground personnel.
Image: Two of the Bangladesh Army’s Eurocopter AS365 N3+ Dauphin helicopter during their induction ceremony. Photo: © copyright Eurocopter South East Asia, Photographer: Kiw Hui Bin.
