Government purchases 42 H145 helicopters from French Ministry of Interior
In a significant development, the French Armament General Directorate has ordered 42 new Airbus H145 helicopters, set to replace a portion of the current fleet. Deliveries of these modern aircraft are scheduled to start in 2024.
The H145, a versatile and reliable platform, is widely used worldwide for demanding roles such as emergency medical services, rescue, law enforcement, and military missions. It is equipped with twin Safran Arriel 2E engines, each with full authority digital engine control (FADEC), and the Helionix digital avionics suite, which includes a high-performance 4-axis autopilot.
These new helicopters will primarily serve the French rescue and emergency response agency, Securité Civile, with 36 units allocated for this purpose. The remaining six will be used by the French law enforcement agency, Gendarmerie Nationale. Each of these helicopters will be equipped with an electro-optical system and a mission computer.
The H145 stands out for its particularly low acoustic footprint, making it the quietest helicopter in its class. This feature is particularly advantageous for urban operations. The versatility of the H145 has made it popular for law enforcement and EMS operations globally, with orders from countries like Luxembourg, Belgium, Thailand, and others in recent years.
The H145 contract includes support and service solutions, training, spare parts, and an initial support package for the aircraft. Notably, the contract also includes an option for a further 22 H145s for the Gendarmerie Nationale.
Airbus Helicopters CEO, Bruno Even, expressed pride in the continued relationship with the Gendarmerie Nationale and Securité Civile. The H145 has already proven its worth with the Securité Civile in the French Alps.
While no official announcements or press releases have explicitly confirmed a new 2024 order by French rescue or law enforcement agencies, the features and benefits of the H145 would likely emphasise enhanced safety and mission effectiveness due to modern avionics and autopilot systems, low acoustic footprint, multi-role flexibility, and reliability backed by extensive operational experience.
For the most current, official confirmation or details on procurement, checking Airbus Helicopters' official releases or French Ministry of Interior/Defence sources would be recommended.
The versatile H145, equipped with advanced avionics and autopilot systems, has been ordered by both the French rescue and law enforcement agencies, demonstrating the helicopter's potential to enhance safety and mission effectiveness in various roles, such as emergency services, rescue, law enforcement, and military missions. This order, valued for its high-tech features like low acoustic footprint and multi-role flexibility, falls within the realms of the aerospace industry, with significant financial implications for the sector.
