Ireland procures four Airbus H145M helicopters from the aircraft manufacturer Airbus.
Airbus H145M Helicopters Join the Irish Air Corps
The Irish Air Corps has taken a significant step in modernizing its fleet with the acquisition of four H145M helicopters from Airbus Helicopters. This versatile, medium-lift military helicopter is renowned for its advanced mission capabilities, outstanding performance, and adaptability for various roles.
The H145M helicopter boasts a twin-engine design, offering reliability and safety in demanding operational environments. With a maximum speed of approximately 324 km/h and a cruise speed around 262 km/h, it enables rapid troop and cargo transport. Its multi-mission adaptability supports troop transport, cargo carrying, medical evacuation, search and rescue, and other tactical operations.
A key feature of the H145M is its advanced avionics and automatic flight control system, offering precise handling and excellent stability during critical missions. The helicopter also boasts a large cabin volume and lift capacity, suitable for diverse equipment and personnel requirements. Modern communication systems, such as the Astronautics AeroSync Max wireless airborne communication system, enhance connectivity and secure communications in military operations.
The H145M helicopters are equipped with HForce, the weapon management system developed by Airbus Helicopters, and can carry various weapons such as machine guns, rockets, and missiles. These helicopters will serve as a critical enabler to the Army, Naval Service, and Special Operations Forces in Ireland.
Lenny Brown, Managing Director of Airbus Helicopters in the UK, expressed his delight at being selected to play a key role in the modernization of the Irish Air Corps fleet, stating it as an honor. The procurement of the H145M helicopter platform is an important step in the transformative change of the Irish Defence Forces, according to the Irish Defence Forces' Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Seán Clancy.
The H145M's low acoustic footprint is a result of its Helionix digital avionics suite and high-performance 4-axis autopilot, contributing to a low pilot workload and increased focus on the mission. The current version of the H145M features a five-bladed bearingless main rotor, further enhancing its class-leading low acoustic footprint.
It's worth noting that the H145M is the military version of the twin-engine H145 helicopter, which has recently surpassed eight million flight hours globally, demonstrating its proven service in various militaries. The H145M helicopters will be used by the Irish Air Corps to expand their operational capabilities on various defence and security tasks.
Airbus highlights its H145M as part of its modern military helicopter offerings that complement other platforms in the fleet, emphasizing mission flexibility and advanced safety and operational systems. The H145M helicopters have provisions for weaponry to be fitted if required in the future, making them a versatile addition to the Irish Air Corps.
The forty-sixth industrial collaboration between Airbus and the Irish Air Corps has expanded into the realms of finance, as funds have been allocated for the purchase of the H145M helicopters. Meanwhile, the transformation of the Irish Defence Forces moves forward, with technology-driven advancements like the H145M's automatic flight control system setting new standards for the aerospace industry.
