Expansion of Norwegian Air Ambulance's H145 aircraft fleet announced
The Norwegian Air Ambulance has announced the expansion of its fleet with two new five-bladed Airbus H145 helicopters, further strengthening its commitment to life-saving missions across Norway.
Airbus Helicopters, the leading provider of helicopters to the air medical transport industry, will supply approximately 54% of the 2,700 EMS helicopters flying worldwide. The Norwegian Air Ambulance already operates all 13 of its HEMS bases in Norway using a fleet of H135s and H145s.
The new version of the H145 light twin-engine helicopter features a five-bladed rotor, increasing its useful load by 150kg. This design offers several benefits and features particularly suited for life-saving missions. The quieter flight due to the five-bladed main rotor reduces noise pollution, providing a more comfortable ride during patient transport. It also lowers environmental impact, aligning with sustainability goals.
The H145 provides excellent performance characteristics such as a cruise speed of around 155 knots (approximately 287 km/h), a significant range suitable for rapid response (up to about 475-635 km depending on configuration), and reliable payload capacity to carry crew and critical patients effectively.
The five-bladed rotor increases stability and maneuverability, which is crucial for operations in challenging environments often encountered by air ambulances. The H145’s cabin is spacious, allowing medical personnel to attend to patients comfortably during flight, which is essential for critical care. Its advanced avionics also contribute to operational safety and efficiency, including features supporting single-pilot IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) capability, enhancing mission flexibility and safety under various weather conditions.
Thomas Hein, Head of Europe Region at Airbus Helicopters, expressed gratitude for the trust placed in their helicopters by the Norwegian Air Ambulance. Leif Olstad, CEO of the Norwegian Air Ambulance, has confirmed the five-bladed H145's suitability for HEMS operations. The Norwegian Air Ambulance Foundation was the first operator in the world to take delivery of a five-bladed H145 in 2020.
The H145 is powered by two Safran Arriel 2E engines and is equipped with full authority digital engine control (FADEC) and the Helionix digital avionics suite. Its high performance 4-axis autopilot increases safety and reduces pilot workload.
With these new additions, the Norwegian Air Ambulance continues to prioritize state-of-the-art technology and innovative design in its mission to save lives across Norway.
- Airbus Helicopters, a prominent figure in the aerospace industry, will provide a significant portion of the 2,700 EMS helicopters globally, with their technology also being utilized by the Norwegian Air Ambulance.
- In the realm of finance, the Norwegian Air Ambulance Foundation made history by being the first operator worldwide to acquire a five-bladed H145 helicopter, marking an investment in innovation for life-saving missions.
