Air Rescue Service DRF Luftrettung Plans to Acquire up to 10 More H145 Helicopters
In a significant move towards improving air rescue and emergency medical services, DRF Luftrettung, a leading German helicopter emergency medical services operator, has placed orders for up to ten Airbus H145 helicopters. This order includes seven firm orders and three options, marking a substantial expansion of DRF Luftrettung's fleet.
The new H145 helicopters will be equipped with a host of innovative features designed to enhance operational efficiency, safety, environmental sustainability, and versatility. One of the key improvements is the five-blade bearingless main rotor system, which increases the helicopter's useful load by 150 kg, providing a significant boost to payload and performance. This design simplifies maintenance, improves serviceability and reliability, and offers a smoother ride for crew and passengers.
Powered by twin Safran Arriel 2E engines with Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC), the H145 offers more power, better fuel efficiency, and lower emissions compared to older models. The helicopters are also equipped with the Helionix digital avionics suite, including a highly efficient four-axis autopilot system. This system enhances flight safety and reduces pilot workload, allowing for more focused attention on the mission at hand.
Notably, the H145 boasts a lower acoustic footprint, making it the quietest helicopter in its class, and the lowest CO2 emissions among competitors, aligning with environmental and noise reduction goals. This quieter operation will undoubtedly benefit the communities DRF Luftrettung serves.
DRF Luftrettung's helicopters are used for emergency rescue, intensive care transport, special missions, hoist operations, and day and night operations. The ordered helicopters will be covered by DRF's fleet-wide HCare Smart contract, which provides comprehensive parts-by-the-hour support.
Thomas Hein, Head of Europe Region at Airbus Helicopters, expressed gratitude for DRF Luftrettung's continued trust in their helicopters. "The H145 has become the backbone of DRF Luftrettung's fleet, performing life-saving missions in Germany and Europe," he said.
With over 1,675 H145 family helicopters in service, logging a total of over 7.6 million flight hours, the H145 has proven to be a reliable and effective choice for air rescue and public service operations. Dr. Krystian Pracz, CEO of DRF Luftrettung, stated that the new order of ten helicopters is to ensure optimal service for patients and keep the fleet modern and flexible.
DRF Luftrettung continually strives to improve medical care for people in need. The performance of the H145 helicopters can have a decisive difference in the care a patient receives, making this new order a significant step forward in their mission. The H145, currently one of the largest and most experienced air rescue helicopters in Europe, will undoubtedly continue to save lives and provide essential medical services for years to come.
The partnership between DRF Luftrettung and Airbus Helicopters in the aerospace industry includes the purchase of up to ten H145 helicopters, which are expected to be employed in the finance sector through emergency medical services. The advanced technology incorporated into the H145, such as the five-blade main rotor system, the efficient four-axis autopilot system, and the lower acoustic footprint, will contribute to enhancing operational efficiency and safety while reducing emissions.
