Estimated reading time 2 minutes, 40 seconds.
Eurocopter Canada has delivered an EC130 single-engine helicopter to the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (OMNR). The aircraft will be used to support various missions across Ontario including; forest fire suppression, wildlife management and utility operations.
With delivery of the EC130, OMNR will operate a Eurocopter fleet of seven EC130’s and an AS350 B2. OMNR’s fleet supports a variety of additional missions including; surveying, fish stocking, reconnaissance, compliance monitoring, NVG enforcement missions and remote sensing.
“The EC130 is a reliable and versatile aircraft that we are proud to deliver to OMNR,” said Mr. Romain Trapp, president & CEO, Eurocopter Canada. “We appreciate the value and trust by the OMNR in Eurocopter’s products and services, our continued partnership and supporting their missions for the years to come”.
OMNR has utilized aircraft to support firefighting, resource management and core government programs for forestry and wildlife management for the past 86 years. In 1946, OMNR gained international recognition for being the first agency in North America to use a helicopter for forest fire control.
OMNR’s fleet safeguards a diverse range of climate, geography, plant and animal species, as well as 250,000 lakes and the world’s largest adjoining body of fresh water (the Great Lakes). The ministry is entrusted to promote thriving, sustainable ecosystems and protect the biodiversity of more than 1.1 million square kilometres, two-thirds of which is forested.
The EC130 B4 is equipped with a variety of mission capable Eurocopter Canada options including; Cargo Pods, a Wire Strike Protection System, Dual Battery as well as, Dual Controls.
Thanks to its great visibility, quietness, comfort, performance and safety, the flexible EC130 has become a key member of Eurocopter’s Ecureuil product line. Its Fenestron tail rotor and automatic rotor speed control result in a significantly reduced operating noise level.
Reliable power is provided by the Turbomeca Arriel 2 turbine engine including a dual-channel FADEC (Full Authority Digital Engine Control) with a third independent back-up channel. Integrated VFR equipment coupled with a Global Positioning System (GPS) is fitted as standard for day and night missions.
