Airbus H145

Airbus H145
Name	Airbus H145
Type	Light utility helicopter
National origin	Multinational
Manufacturer	Airbus Helicopters
Status	In service

Airbus H145. The Airbus H145 is a light twin-engine utility helicopter developed and manufactured by Airbus Helicopters. Originally launched as the Eurocopter EC145, a development of the MBB/Kawasaki BK 117, the type has evolved through several upgrades to become a versatile platform used globally for emergency medical services, law enforcement, corporate transport, and utility roles. Its design emphasizes performance, safety, and mission adaptability, cementing its position in the competitive light helicopter market.

Development and variants

The lineage of the aircraft traces back to the collaborative BK 117 program between Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm of Germany and Kawasaki Heavy Industries of Japan. Following the formation of Eurocopter Group in 1992, the design was further developed, leading to the certification of the EC145 in 2000. A significant milestone was the launch of the EC145 T2 in 2014, rebranded as the H145 following the corporate renaming of Airbus Group. This variant introduced the innovative Fenestron shrouded tail rotor and more powerful Turbomeca Arriel engines. The latest evolution, the H145 D3, unveiled in 2019, features a five-blade bearingless main rotor system for increased performance and comfort. Specialized variants have been developed for specific missions, including configurations for the United States Army's UH-72 Lakota and the Japanese Ministry of Defense.

Design

The airframe incorporates a spacious cabin accessible via large clamshell doors, facilitating the loading of stretchers and cargo. Its crashworthiness is designed to meet stringent Federal Aviation Administration and European Union Aviation Safety Agency standards. The cockpit is equipped with a modern Helionix avionics suite by Thales Group, featuring a four-axis digital autopilot and large displays for reduced pilot workload. The incorporation of the Fenestron tail rotor enhances safety during ground operations and provides acoustic benefits. The helicopter's design allows for rapid reconfiguration between roles such as EMS, law enforcement, and offshore transport, supported by a comprehensive range of mission equipment from manufacturers like FLIR Systems and Travis Pattern & Foundry.

Operational history

Since its entry into service, the type has seen widespread adoption across multiple continents. It has become a cornerstone for air ambulance operators like ADAC Luftrettung in Germany and REGA in Switzerland. In the United States, the Los Angeles Police Department and the New York Police Department utilize it for aerial patrol and special operations. The UH-72 Lakota variant has been extensively used by the United States Army for training, support, and homeland security missions. The platform has also proven popular for corporate VIP transport and offshore energy support in regions like the North Sea, operated by companies such as Bristow Group.

Operators

Primary civil and parapublic operators include numerous national police forces, air rescue organizations, and private charter companies globally. Major military operators beyond the United States Armed Forces include the German Air Force, the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force, and the Royal Thai Army. Government agencies like the United States Department of Homeland Security and the Japan Coast Guard also employ the helicopter. The type is supported by a network of Airbus Helicopters facilities and authorized completion centers worldwide, such as those in Grand Prairie, Texas and Donauwörth.

Specifications (H145)

General characteristics for the H145 D3 include a crew of one or two pilots with capacity for up to nine passengers. It is powered by two Safran Turbomeca Arriel 2E turboshaft engines, each providing substantial shaft horsepower. The five-blade main rotor system contributes to a higher maximum takeoff weight and improved hover performance. Typical performance figures include a maximum cruise speed, a service ceiling allowing for high-altitude operations, and a range suitable for regional missions. Useful load and internal volume are optimized for its multi-role design philosophy.

Notable accidents and incidents

While maintaining a strong safety record, the model has been involved in several notable events. In 2013, an EC145 operating for the Swiss Air-Rescue crashed in the Swiss Alps, resulting in fatalities. A Japan Coast Guard EC145 was involved in a fatal accident near Kobe in 2015 during a training flight. In 2018, an H145 used by Norway's Luftambulansetjenesten experienced a hard landing in challenging weather conditions. Each incident has been investigated by authorities like the German Federal Bureau of Aircraft Accident Investigation and the Japan Transport Safety Board, with findings contributing to operational safety enhancements.

Category:Airbus helicopters Category:Light utility helicopters Category:Twin-engined helicopters