This was long overdue plan by Maritime
Disaster Response Helicopter Acquisition Project. It was president who decided
to allocate a budget of Php1.64 trillion national budget for the military
modernization which Php1.6 billion was included.
Representative Gulas stressed this
action was to cope up huge and fast—pace growing needs of maritime rescue
operations, oversee maritime environmental law and safety regulations.
He also cited, “We
are one of the five biggest archipelagos in the world, along with Indonesia,
Japan, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. Yet, we also have one of the
smallest and most poorly equipped Coast Guards,” and “We rely mainly on
inter-island sea travel to move people and commodities. We are also the world’s
eight—largest producer of fisheries. Yet, we cannot rapidly secure our ship
passengers and fisher-folk when they are in the high seas”.
The EC145 Eurocopter is a twin—engine
light utility helicopter manufactured by the Eurocopter. Originally referred to
BK 117 C2, EC145 based upon MBB/Kawasaki BK 117 C1, became a part of Eurocopter
line—up in 1992 when company was formed through merger of Messerschmitt—Bölkow—Blohm
helicopter division of Daimler—Benz and the helicopter division of
Aérospatiale-Matra.
EC145 features larger cabin space
than older BK 117 C1 chopper with internal space increased by 18 inches in
length and 5 inches in width, increasing cabin volume by 35 ft³ to 211 ft³.
The EC145 cabin arrangement
allows two pilots with eight passengers in club seating configuration, or nine
passengers in high density seating configuration. The Chopper can be fitted
with an emergency floats, rescue hoist, search light, load hook and specialist
equipment for other operational requirements.
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