Enstrom Helicopter Corporation and Isolair Inc. recently received Chinese certification for the Innovator II 3900-480 spray system.  The lightweight system fits all Enstrom 480 and 480B models, and can be quickly installed or removed for ease of use.  The launch customer in China for the Isolair spray system was long time Enstrom customer Wuhan Helicopters, who recently purchased a new 480B helicopter specifically for agricultural spraying.

“We see a lot of potential in the agricultural spraying market,” said Enstrom’s Director of Sales and Marketing, Tracy Biegler.  “The combination of the 480B’s low costs, rugged construction, and safety, along with the efficiency and ease of use of the Innovator II system make for an attractive package.  Operators in North America and Europe are already seeing this, and we are excited to be expanding into the Asian market.”

“The 480B is proving to be an excellent spraying helicopter, and it is very versatile,” noted Michael Powell, President of Isolair.  “With easily changed nozzles and a flow control right in the cockpit, the operators can tune the system for whatever they are spraying.  We designed it to be easy to install and remove so that the operators can use the aircraft for other purposes when not spraying. The 120 gallon tank mounts under the belly, and the entire assembly, pumps, booms, etc… all attaches with only a few quick disconnect pins.”

Founded in 1959, Enstrom Helicopter Corporation manufactures a complete line of helicopters. The three-seat, piston-powered F28F and 280FX are popular training, sport, and light commercial aircraft. The larger turbine-powered 480B is available as a three-place advanced trainer and patrol aircraft, a 2+2 four seat training helicopter, or as a three to five place executive transport. For law enforcement applications Enstrom produces an optionally equipped variant of the 480B, known as the Guardian, and the F28F, called the Sentinel.

Enstrom Helicopter Corporation signed a contract today for the follow on 28 aircraft contract with their Representative, Aero Facility Co. Ltd., of Japan, at the HAI convention.   This signing, which took place on Feb. 13, 2012 at the Enstrom display, follows a contract awarding the aircraft between the Japanese government and Enstrom’s Japanese representative.  The aircraft are part of an overall 30 helicopter program award for the Japanese Ground Self Defense Force.  Enstrom’s model TH-480B turbine helicopter was chosen in a competitive bid to be the JGSDF’s new primary training helicopter in 2010.

“This contract award affirms the fact that the TH-480B is the right choice of helicopters to train the next generation of JGSDF pilots”, said Jerry Mullins, Enstrom’s CEO and President.  “The fact that the first aircraft delivered went through extensive testing and evaluation, and the JGSDF was extremely pleased with the results, is testimony to the product and support structure that has been put into place in Japan.”

According to Enstrom’s Director of Sales and Marketing, Mr. Tracy Biegler, “The 480B is quickly becoming the turbine training helicopter of choice.  This program, to supply 28 aircraft over the next 3 years, along with the existing contract for 16 aircraft for the Royal Thai Army, provides Enstrom with a healthy production backlog.  Coupled with our in-country maintenance support, through JAMCO Corporation, and our customer support through Aero Facility, we know that the JGSDF will be provided the highest level of care and attention; further affirming their confidence in the Enstrom team.”

Enstrom’s first turbine helicopter, the TH-28, was originally developed as a training aircraft for the US Army.  Later it was developed into the commercial variant 480, and subsequently the 480B.  The TH-480B is the JGSDF designation for the Enstrom 480B light turbine helicopter.

The remaining 28 aircraft will be delivered in lots of 8, 10, and 10 throughout 2012, 2013, and 2014 respectively.