Helicopter maintenance and upgrading carried out for DRF air rescue operations in Bremen
In an exciting development, the Bremen station of DRF Luftrettung has upgraded its intensive care transport helicopter to the advanced Airbus H145 model, featuring a five-blade rotor. This modernisation marks a significant leap forward for the organisation, making its fleet one of the most modern in European air rescue.
Torsten Freitag, deputy station chief and lead HEMS TC at the Bremen station, expressed his delight about the new addition, stating, "The H145 with a five-blade rotor offers significant advantages and improvements over its predecessor, enhancing our ability to perform medical emergency services effectively."
The new H145 helicopter boasts several key improvements, including an increased payload capacity of approximately 150 kg compared to the previous four-blade configuration. This added weight capacity allows the machine to carry more fuel and cover greater distances during missions, improving its operational efficiency.
Another significant advantage of the five-blade rotor system is the smoother flight characteristics it provides, reducing vibrations and noise for a more comfortable ride for both crew and passengers. Potentially, this could also lead to reduced maintenance needs due to the advanced bearingless rotor hub design, a feature seen in other Airbus helicopters with five-blade rotors.
The Bremen station, staffed daily from 8 am until sunset by experienced pilots, emergency physicians, and paramedics, is now ready for deployment in emergency situations. The helicopter can reach deployment sites within a maximum of 15 minutes of flight time, ensuring prompt response in critical situations.
Since 2020, DRF Luftrettung has been continuously adding more H145s with five-blade rotors to its fleet, as part of a wider modernisation initiative. The Bremen station is the 20th to receive a machine of this type, further solidifying DRF Luftrettung's position as a leader in European air rescue.
The H145 helicopter has been stationed at Bremen Airport since 2009, and the change to the new model was completed in December 2020. The helicopter has a 60-kilometer radius coverage, ensuring it can reach a wide area in and around Bremen.
The photo provided by DRF Luftrettung shows the new helicopter model installed at Bremen's DRF Luftrettung, ready for action in emergency situations. The upgraded H145 helicopter is now a vital part of the organisation's commitment to providing top-tier medical emergency services in Bremen and beyond.
[1] Advantages of Five-Blade Rotor Systems in Helicopters
[2] The Evolution of Airbus Helicopters' Rotor Hub Design
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