French government has authorized the purchase of 42 H145 helicopters, as per the instruction from the Ministry of Interior.
The French Armament General Directorate has recently placed an order for 42 new Airbus H145 helicopters, marking a strategic modernization for public safety missions in France. These helicopters, featuring the latest five-bladed rotor system, advanced avionics, and twin Safran Arriel 2E engines, are set to replace older models in the French fleet.
The new H145s offer a host of benefits, including an increased useful load of 150 kg, reduced maintenance complexity, and advanced avionics with a four-axis autopilot that aims to reduce pilot workload and improve safety. Equipped with twin Safran Arriel 2E engines, the H145 is powered by full authority digital engine control (FADEC), ensuring optimal performance and efficiency.
The new helicopters will cater to various mission requirements, including emergency medical services (EMS), search and rescue (SAR), law enforcement, firefighting support, and critical SAR operations. They will be capable of accommodating 1-2 pilots plus up to 10 passengers or EMS configurations with space for stretchers and medical personnel.
Thirty-six H145 helicopters are destined for the French rescue and emergency response agency, Sécurité Civile, while six will be allocated to the French law enforcement agency, Gendarmerie Nationale. The contract includes support and service solutions, training, spare parts, and an initial support package for the aircraft.
Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters, expressed pride in the continued relationship with the Gendarmerie Nationale and Sécurité Civile, stating, "The H145 has already proven its worth in various missions around the world, and we are confident that it will continue to serve the French agencies with the same level of reliability, flexibility, and technological advancement."
With over 1,700 H145 units in service globally and accumulated flight hours exceeding 8 million, Airbus Helicopters brings extensive experience to this partnership. The new H145s are not only environmentally friendly, with low noise and emissions, but also boast a low acoustic footprint, making them the quietest helicopter in their class.
Deliveries of the new H145 helicopters are set to start in 2024, marking a significant step forward in enhancing the operational capabilities of French rescue and policing roles. The H145, with its proven track record, is poised to play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and security of the French public for years to come.
[1] Airbus Helicopters Press Release: "Airbus Helicopters and the French Armament General Directorate sign contract for 42 H145 helicopters" (2023, December) [2] Airbus Helicopters: "H145" (n.d.) [3] European Union Aviation Safety Agency: "Certification of Airbus Helicopters H145" (2020, June)
- The partnership between Airbus Helicopters and the French Armament General Directorate, as signified by the order of 42 H145 helicopters, underscores the importance of the aerospace industry in financing and modernizing public safety roles, such as law enforcement and emergency medical services.
- The H145, with its advanced technology, low noise emissions, and proven track record, has the potential to revolutionize the finance sector by offering optimal performance, efficiency, and reduced maintenance complexity, thereby reducing operational costs for agencies like Sécurité Civile and Gendarmerie Nationale.
