The Tokyo Fire Department in Japan has introduced a new helicopter unit recently to help fight fires in high-rise buildings. The Air Fire Rescue Task Forces’ development follows a near doubling of high-rise fires in Tokyo and a rapid growth in the number of buildings higher than 11 floors.
The task forces, also known as Air Hyper Rescue, use Airbus helicopters from the Fire Department’s aviation unit. The aircrafts are equipped with Simplex Aerospace’s Model 516 High Rise Firefighting System, nicknamed the ‘SkyCannon’, which has received FAA, European and Japanese aviation certification.
Japan Aerospace delivered the system, which is designed to discharge water and foam more than 125 feet (38 metres) from the helicopter through a 24-foot boom. The aircraft will also be equipped to carry a 10-person rescue gondola.
The aviation unit’s helicopters, more than 150 fire vehicles and 2,800-plus firefighters participated in the annual Dezome-shiki ceremonies on Tokyo’s Koto waterfront, according to media reports. The ceremonies, whose origins are more than 300 years old, remind Japanese citizens of the hazards of fire and encourage them to be safe.
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