Eurocopter,
The Spanish Army Disaster Response Unit (UME) has just taken delivery of its first EC135 helicopter. This is an important milestone in the program to equip the UME, a new unit of the Spanish Armed Forces created by the Spanish Government on 7 October 2005.
The UME is a special unit whose main mission is to conduct rapid interventions in order to ensure the safety and well-being of citizens all over the Spanish territory. The UME works alongside other national and local organizations in situations of high risk, catastrophe, disaster or emergencies such as floods, earthquakes, landslides, heavy snowfalls as well as other major adverse weather phenomena. The unit also responds to forest fires.
In addition, the UME is involved in emergency situations such as terrorist attacks as well as missions to prevent environmental pollution. The Spanish Prime Minister can deploy the UME for any situation deemed necessary.
The EC135 is a multi-purpose twin-engine helicopter – the reference in the world for emergency medical services and law enforcement missions. Since its introduction on the market, more than 600 EC135s have entered into service. And over 40 EC135s are currently operating in Spain.
The helicopter delivered is the first of four aircraft ordered by the Spanish government. This EC135 has been adapted to the needs of the customer and is fitted with new missions systems, which were specifically designed for the UME and developed by Eurocopter España. All the equipment was installed at the Eurocopter plant in Albacete.
Established in 1992, the Franco-German-Spanish Eurocopter Group is a Division of EADS, a world leader in aerospace, defence and related services. The Eurocopter Group employs approx. 14,000 people. In 2006, Eurocopter confirmed its position as the world’s No. 1 helicopter manufacturer with a turnover of 3.8 billion euros, orders for 615 new helicopters, and a 52% percent market share in the civil and parapublic sectors.
