The Tokyo Metropolitan Police has put two new helicopters into service, Ootori 1 and Ootori 7, during a ceremony held on May 15 at the Koto Flight Center. These aircraft, Leonardo AW139 models, replace two retired units and will be based at the Tachikawa Flight Center, aiming to strengthen rescue and emergency operations in the Japanese capital.
Technical specifications and rescue equipment 🚁
The AW139s have a capacity for 14 passengers and reach a maximum speed of 310 km/h. Their equipment includes rescue systems, external loudspeakers for ground communications, and emergency flotation for operations over water. These features allow the metropolitan police to carry out search, evacuation, and support missions in natural disasters or urban incidents with greater autonomy and safety than previous models.
Ootori 7: the helicopter that won't be late for your rescue 🚑
With a top speed of 310 km/h, Ootori 7 could reach your home before the sushi delivery on a Friday night. The police assure that the external loudspeakers will be used to give instructions, although in Tokyo it's already rumored they'll be used to ask if anyone ordered extra wasabi. At least, if the rescue fails, the emergency flotation allows the helicopter to be converted into an improvised raft.