Cyprus receives first delivery of two H145M helicopters from Airbus.
Airbus H145M Helicopter: A Versatile Asset for Modern Armed Forces
The Airbus H145M, a twin-engine military helicopter, is renowned for its versatility and adaptability to various mission requirements. With over eight million flight hours accumulated by its civilian counterpart, the H145, the H145M has proven its reliability and efficiency in diverse combat environments.
Powered by two Safran Arriel 2E engines, the H145M is equipped with a full authority digital engine control (FADEC) for optimal performance. Its digital cockpit technology reduces the pilot's workload, while its Helionix digital avionics suite includes a high-performance 4-axis autopilot and innovative flight data management. The H145M is also the quietest helicopter in its class, boasting a particularly low acoustic footprint.
The H145M's multi-role capability is evident in its ability to be reconfigured within minutes for missions such as light attack, special operations, troop transport, training, and search and rescue. It is equipped with fast rappelling equipment, comprehensive mission packages, hoisting, and external cargo capabilities.
The German Bundeswehr operates 24 H145M helicopters for special forces operations and search and rescue missions, and the National Guard of the Republic of Cyprus will soon operate the remaining H145M helicopters, with the first two having already been delivered. The remaining deliveries to Cyprus are scheduled for later this year.
The H145M's versatility has attracted the attention of other military forces worldwide. Notable operators include Germany, Ireland, Hungary, Serbia, Luxembourg, Thailand, Ecuador, and Honduras, among others. Recent orders for the H145M include Germany (up to 82), Belgium (17), Brunei (6), and Ireland (4) aircraft.
The H145M is also capable of crewed-uncrewed teaming, enabling its integration into networked combat. Its weapons range includes guns, rockets, and missiles, making it a formidable asset for light combat operations.
In the United States, nearly 500 helicopters from the H145 family are employed by the Army under the name UH-72 Lakota, with over 1.5 million flight hours. The US Army's choice of the H145M underscores its suitability for future conflicts due to its versatility, as stated by Olivier Michalon, Executive Vice President for Global Business of Airbus Helicopters.
In conclusion, the H145M's advanced avionics, multi-mission flexibility, low noise, and electronic protection systems make it a valuable asset for modern armed forces seeking agile and adaptable rotorcraft. Its widespread adoption across various defense applications and growing list of operators underscore its significance in contemporary military operations.
The H145M's versatility in diverse combat environments showcases its potential as a valuable asset within the aerospace industry and modern armed forces. Its cutting-edge technology, including digital avionics and digital engine control, enhances its performance in the finance-intensive domain of defense and security. Various military forces worldwide, such as Germany, Ireland, Hungary, and Belgium, have recognized its effectiveness, with Germany alone planning to acquire up to 82 H145M helicopters.
