Bahrain's Ministry of Interior procures nine Airbus H145 helicopters.
The skies over Bahrain are set to become even busier with the arrival of nine new Airbus H145 helicopters. This latest addition to the police aviation fleet will be used for law enforcement missions and emergency medical services, marking Bahrain's entry into the H145 worldwide community [2].
The H145, renowned for its versatility, offers several key advantages that make it a standout choice for diverse missions. It excels in emergency medical services (HEMS) and public safety roles, providing increased speed, range, and spaciousness for medical teams and equipment [3][5][1].
The helicopter's modern systems contribute to safer and more efficient operations. Its Turbomeca Arriel 2E engines, which replace older engines, offer better fuel efficiency and lower emissions, translating into reduced operational costs and environmental impact [1]. The advanced avionics suite, Helionix, improves situational awareness and reduces pilot workload, potentially lowering the risk of maintenance issues caused by human error [1].
One of the most notable features of the H145 is its five-bladed main rotor system. This design enhancement increases payload capacity by about 150 kilograms and reduces vibrations, resulting in a smoother ride for both crew and passengers, particularly beneficial for medical missions and long flights [5].
Safety is further prioritised with the enclosed Fenestron tail rotor, replacing the older exposed tail rotor. This design improvement increases safety around ground crews and significantly reduces noise levels, minimising the helicopter's acoustic footprint in urban operations and contributing to environmental considerations [1].
The H145's carbon footprint is also reduced thanks to the upgraded Turbomeca Arriel 2E engines, which offer better fuel efficiency and lower emissions compared to the previous generation EC145 model [1].
Powered by two Safran Arriel 2E engines and equipped with a high-performance 4-axis autopilot, the H145's features are designed to increase safety and reduce pilot workload [4]. The new rotor design also improves ride comfort for both passengers and crew [6].
With over 1,700 H145 family helicopters already in service worldwide, and more than 60 in the Middle East alone, demand for this versatile rotorcraft continues to grow for a vast array of missions, including emergency medical services, operations in the energy sector, law enforcement, and utility missions [7]. The total flight hours logged by these helicopters is eight million [8].
Olivier Michalon, EVP for Global Business of Airbus Helicopters, expressed pride in Bahrain joining the H145 community and highlighted the helicopter's versatility as a key asset for public safety missions around the world and in the region [9].
Sources:
- Airbus Helicopters
- Bahrain News Agency
- Airbus Helicopters
- Airbus Helicopters
- Airbus Helicopters
- Airbus Helicopters
- Airbus Helicopters
- Airbus Helicopters
- Airbus Helicopters
In the ever-evolving landscape of industry, finance, technology, and aerospace, the H145 helicopter stands out as an innovative solution for diverse missions. With its modern systems and advanced features, it excels in public safety roles, law enforcement, and emergency medical services across the globe, including Bahrain.