Expanded police forces in two German provinces opt for acquiring five-bladed H145 helicopters
The Airbus H145 light twin-engine helicopter is poised to become the backbone of German state police forces in the coming decades, as evidenced by recent orders from the Ministries of Interior of Lower Saxony and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. Each ministry has ordered two five-bladed H145 helicopters, set to replace the EC135 and MD902 helicopters currently in service.
These new H145s will boast a state-of-the-art police configuration, including Bambi Buckets for firefighting and the latest generation of police mission equipment. The helicopter's advanced features offer several advantages in police and law enforcement roles. Its increased payload and single-engine performance provide versatility for various operations, while its safety features, such as the Fenestron tail rotor, ensure a safer environment for ground personnel.
The H145's cockpit technology also enhances mission management, with a modern digital Helionix avionics suite and a 4-axis autopilot that improve pilot situational awareness and reduce workload. The helicopter's quiet operation, making it the quietest in its class, is particularly beneficial for urban law enforcement, reducing noise disturbance during missions.
The H145's power, safety, technology, and mission versatility have already earned it a reputation as a key asset in modern police and law enforcement aviation units. This is evident in Bahrain's recent acquisition of nine H145s for its Police Aviation Command.
The H145, powered by 2 Safran Arriel 2E engines, features a five-blade main rotor and an enclosed Fenestron tail rotor, which enhances safety around ground personnel and reduces noise. It has a spacious, modular cabin that can be rapidly configured for various missions, including police and law enforcement tasks. The H145 offers a maximum takeoff weight of about 3,800 kg (8,377 lbs), a top speed of approximately 145 knots (268 km/h), and a range near 350 nautical miles (650 km).
As of now, more than 200 helicopters of the H145 helicopter family are deployed to public services and law enforcement missions worldwide. In total, there are currently more than 1,650 H145 family helicopters in service, logging a total of more than 7 million flight hours. The new version of the Airbus H145 was unveiled at Heli-Expo 2019 in Atlanta, showcasing its CO2 emissions, which are the lowest amongst its competitors. The simplicity of the new bearingless main rotor design will also ease maintenance operations for the H145.
In conclusion, the Airbus H145 presents an impressive combination of power, safety, technology, and mission versatility, making it a valuable asset for modern police and law enforcement aviation units. The growing preference for the H145 in public safety missions is a testament to its advanced capabilities and adaptability.
The H145's versatility in various operations extends to the finance and aerospace industry, as its advantages in public safety missions are attracting interest worldwide. For instance, the technology incorporated in this helicopter aligns well with the advancements in gadgets and the fast-paced evolution of the technology sector. Furthermore, the growing preference for the H145 in public safety missions demonstrates its potential in the broader scope of the industry, including military and humanitarian missions.