Federal Government of Germany plans to acquire 44 H225 helicopters for their Federal Police force.
The German Ministry of the Interior has placed an order for 44 Airbus H225 helicopters, a move aimed at bolstering its capabilities in law enforcement and homeland security missions. These helicopters were selected for their versatility, performance, and ability to support a wide range of public safety operations.
The Airbus H225, the latest variant of the Super Puma family, offers a host of features that make it highly suitable for such missions. The helicopter features a five-bladed rotor system, which improves performance by increasing useful load capacity by 150 kg and offers smoother flight with better reliability and maintenance characteristics.
The H225 is also equipped with twin Safran Arriel 2E engines, combined with advanced avionics (Helionix suite) and a four-axis autopilot system. This reduces pilot workload and enhances safety and automation levels, making it an ideal choice for demanding missions.
The H225's multi-role functionality allows it to be deployed for emergency medical services, police work, search and rescue, and other governmental missions. Its low noise and emissions profiles make it environmentally friendly and well-suited for urban or sensitive environments.
Globally, the H225 and other models in the H145 family are widely used by police and emergency services. The model's balance of payload, endurance, safety, and cost-efficiency makes it a practical choice for diversified homeland security tasks.
The H225 offers outstanding endurance and fast cruise speed, making it an ideal choice for long-duration missions. It will replace the H155 and AS332 helicopters currently in service with the German Federal Police.
The German Bundespolizei already operates a total of 94 Airbus helicopters, including the H135 family helicopters for emergency medical services on behalf of the Federal Office of Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance (Bundesamt für Bevölkerungsschutz und Katastrophenhilfe).
The H225 can be fitted with various equipment to suit a variety of roles. Airbus Helicopters aims to have the H225 flying with 100 percent sustainable aviation fuel by 2030.
Deliveries of the H225 helicopters are scheduled to start in 2029. The H225 has a maximum takeoff weight of 11,160 kg and offers an increased range of more than 832 kilometers. It is equipped with state-of-the-art electronic instruments and renowned autopilot precision.
The H225 also features a new and powerful mission and communication system for improved situational awareness and data transmission. The single-engine H120 is used for pilot training by the German Bundespolizei.
Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters, expressed gratitude for Germany's continued trust in their helicopters and the H225 specifically. The Super Puma family, including the H225, is already in operation with the German Bundespolicei.
The H225's versatility and suitability for public safety operations extend to various industries, such as finance when used for aerial asset surveillance, aerospace in supporting space missions with its high payload capacity, and technology with its advanced avionics and mission communication system. The H225's long-duration capabilities make it a valuable asset for homeland security missions, showcasing its potential in multiple fields, ensuring a significant contribution to various aspects of society.