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Kagoshima International Aviation has placed an order with AgustaWestland for a GrandNew light twin helicopter.

The rotorcraft will be based at the Hakodate Airport and will perform emergency medical service missions for Hakodate City Hospital in Southern Hokkaido, Japan. It is expected to enter service in early 2015.

Kagoshima International Aviation already operates an EMS-configured GrandNew in the Kagoshima prefecture.

The latest order strengthens the presence of EMS-configured GrandNew helicopters in the Japanese market.

It is part of the Doctor Heli system programme, which seeks to provide modern airborne EMS coverage to all prefectures in Japan.

Kagoshima selected the GrandNew after a thorough evaluation process to ensure the rotorcraft complies with demanding missions and safety requirements, AgustaWestland said.

"The Grand series has logged more than 330 orders to date."

The GrandNew configured for Kagoshima is equipped with skis and ice detector, and features a cabin layout that can accommodate one litter and four medical attendants or two litters and medical attendants.

It is said to be the first type certified light twin (CS/JAR/FAR 27) to enter service with a new EFIS featuring synthetic vision.

It also complies with the advanced global positioning system-based navigation requirements for all weather operations.

The Grand series has logged more than 330 orders to date from around 210 customers in 40 countries worldwide.

It is designed to perform various tasks, including EMS, SAR, electronic newsgathering, VIP/corporate transport, passenger transport and harbour pilot shuttle.

Image: The GrandNew helicopter will perform emergency medical service missions for Hakodate City Hospital in Southern Hokkaido. Photo: courtesy of AgustaWestland.

Defence Technology