Offshore wind operations receive first five-bladed H145 helicopter delivery from HTM
Airbus Helicopters' Five-Bladed H145 Debuts in Offshore Wind Operations
Airbus Helicopters has delivered its first five-bladed H145 for offshore wind segment use to HTM Helicopters, marking a significant milestone in the renewable energy sector. This new helicopter will be operated from bases at Norden-Norddeich, Emden, Borkum, and Helgoland.
The H145, equipped with a powerful hoist, floatation equipment, and a cargo hook, is well-suited for its wind farm missions. Its advanced features are designed to address over 95% of the world's current and future offshore wind farms projects, thanks to its outstanding performance for transporting and hoisting wind farm technicians.
Bernd Brucherseifer, Pilot and Managing Director at HTM Helicopters, expressed his confidence in the five-bladed H145, stating that it will help enhance their mission capabilities. The new version of Airbus' H145, unveiled at Heli-Expo 2019, boasts a new, innovative five-bladed rotor.
The benefits of the five-bladed H145 for offshore wind segment operations are numerous. These include improved performance and suitability for the demanding offshore environment. The five-bladed design enhances flight smoothness, safety, and operational efficiency, which are critical for transporting personnel and equipment to offshore wind installations.
Specific benefits include enhanced safety and stability in challenging offshore wind operational environments, better fuel efficiency and lower operating costs, increased cabin space and flexibility, and compliance with IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) standards suitable for the variable weather conditions offshore.
HTM Helicopters’ use of the five-bladed H145 aligns with industry trends favoring medium twin-engine helicopters for offshore wind, as these models meet the increasing demand for reliable, efficient, and safe transport to offshore wind farms. This trend is reflected in the strong market growth and significant helicopter orders anticipated for offshore wind support by 2030.
The H145 is the quietest helicopter in its class due to its particularly low acoustic footprint. The new rotor design increases the useful load of the H145 by 150 kg. The simplicity of the new bearingless main rotor design eases maintenance operations.
The H145 is used to maintain offshore wind parks, contributing to the expansion of renewable energy. The HTM Group, which provides helicopters for civil and military customers, offshore operations, ambulance & passenger flights, flight training, and work flights in the mountains, is fully owned by HERISTO Aktiengesellschaft since April 2020.
The European Union aims to increase offshore wind energy capacity to more than 60 Giga Watt by 2030 (from 12 GW in 2020). The H145 is equipped with full authority digital engine control (FADEC) and the Helionix digital avionics suite, including a high-performance 4-axis autopilot.
Axel Humpert, Head of the H145 Programme, expressed gratitude for HTM Helicopters' continued trust in Airbus Helicopters and the H145. The delivery of the five-bladed H145 to HTM Helicopters signifies a promising future for offshore wind operations, as these innovative helicopters are poised to meet the growing demands of the renewable energy sector.
[1] Source: OffshoreWIND.biz, "Airbus Helicopters delivers first five-bladed H145 for offshore wind segment use to HTM Helicopters" (2021, March 23) https://www.offshorewind.biz/news/airbus-helicopters-delivers-first-five-bladed-h145-for-offshore-wind-segment-use-to-htm-helicopters
- The renewable energy sector is witnessing a significant shift with the introduction of the five-bladed H145 in offshore wind operations, as evidenced by Airbus Helicopters delivering their first unit to HTM Helicopters.
- In the aerospace industry, technology advances are essential for meeting the demands of the growing renewable energy sector, and the five-bladed H145, with its innovative design and improved efficiency, is a prime example.
- The finance industry is closely watching the renewable energy sector, particularly offshore wind operations, as the strong market growth and anticipation of substantial helicopter orders indicate a promising future for companies like HTM Helicopters that invest in the five-bladed H145.
