Namibia takes delivery of Eurocopter EC145 helicopter at AAD 2012 defence exhibition 2009123.

Namibia's Ministry of Safety & Security, ordered the twin-engined multi-mission helicopter - which is a top performer in law enforcement and homeland security missions - in 2011 to complement NAMPOL's existing fleet of Eurocopter AS350B3 aircraft. The new helicopter was manufactured at Eurocopter's Donauworth facility in Germany, and has been equipped with various state-of-the-art airborne law enforcement and rescue equipment.

Other EC145 operators include the London Metropolitan Police Authority, the French Gendarmerie, several German and US State police forces. In addition, the US Army has ordered 322 military variant EC145s (known as the UH-345 Lakota) as its new generation Light Utility Helicopter requirement. "NAMPOL's EC145 acquisition is part of an evolving modernisation programme, which enables NAMPOL to fulfill its duty in providing civil protection and law enforcement to all Namibians," said Lt-Gen Sebastian Ndeitunga, Inspector-General of NAMPOL.

Namibia's Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Safety & Security, Mrs Ndeutala Angolo said: "The deployment of the newly acquired EC145 will also grow NAMPOL's capability and capacity to provide emergency search & rescue, life-saving and vital humanitarian relief support".

The multi-mission EC145 can be flown by one or two pilots and carries up to nine passengers. It combines proven and new technologies and is powered by two Turbomeca Arriel 1E2 engines, enabling it to achieve a fast cruise speed of 135 kts (approx. 250km/h) and an endurance of up to 3.5 flight hours during which time it could comfortably cover a 680km distance before refuelling. It also features an advanced night vision goggle-compatible glass cockpit enabling operations in poor visibility conditions. Its digital autopilot allows for either single or dual pilot missions.

The EC145 is also a good neighbour, thanks to its low noise level, which is 6.7dB below the international standard for similar size helicopters.

Namibia has an area nearly twice as large as France, but with long distances between towns and settlements. In addition, its economic exclusion zone and 1,580km mineral-rich coastline. This means that aircraft range and endurance are key considerations for NAMPOL, which delivers law enforcement and civil protection throughout the vast country.

NAMPOL has also contracted ESAL to provide type conversion training for pilots and engineers. This will take place at Eurocopter in Germany and also at ESAL's base at Grand Central Airport near Johannesburg, South Africa. The helicopter will be stationed at the NAMPOL Air Wing Base at Eros Airport, Windhoek, where it will also be maintained.