Offshore wind project receives delivery of its inaugural five-bladed H145 helicopter from HTM supplier.

Offshore wind project receives delivery of its inaugural five-bladed H145 helicopter from HTM supplier.

HTM Helicopters, one of the largest helicopter companies in Germany, has upgraded to the five-bladed version of the Airbus H145 helicopter for its offshore wind operations. This change brings several benefits that are crucial for efficient and safe transportation of personnel and cargo to wind farms.

Improved Maneuverability and Stability

The five-bladed rotor system provides enhanced flight stability and smoother handling, which is essential when operating in turbulent offshore conditions. This added stability ensures a safer and more reliable journey for passengers and cargo alike.

Higher Payload Capacity

The new rotor design allows for an increased payload, enabling HTM Helicopters to transport more technicians, tools, and parts in fewer flights. This results in reduced downtime and increased productivity.

Enhanced Safety and Reliability

The advanced design of the five-bladed H145 reduces vibrations and stress on the aircraft, improving passenger comfort and reducing maintenance needs. This is particularly important in the demanding offshore environment where safety is paramount.

Operational Flexibility

The multi-role capabilities and state-of-the-art avionics of the H145 help HTM operate efficiently under various weather and light conditions. This flexibility increases the availability of flights to wind turbines, contributing to improved operational efficiency.

The H145, powered by two Safran Arriel 2E engines, is equipped with full authority digital engine control (FADEC) and the Helionix digital avionics suite. It also includes a high-performance 4-axis autopilot, further increasing safety and reducing pilot workload.

HTM Group, with its EASA Part-145 and Part-21 G/J approved organization, employs around 150 people and provides helicopters for civil and military customers, offshore operations, ambulance & passenger flights, flight training, and work flights in the mountains.

The H145 is stationed at bases at Norden-Norddeich, Emden, Borkum, and Helgoland, where it is used to maintain offshore wind parks. This contributes to the expansion of renewable energy and the European Union's aim to increase the offshore wind energy capacity to more than 60 Giga Watt by 2030.

The first five-bladed H145 was delivered to HTM Helicopters by Airbus Helicopters, with Bernd Brucherseifer, Pilot and Managing Director at HTM Helicopters, expressing his delight at the enhanced mission capabilities. Axel Humpert, Head of the H145 Programme, thanked HTM Helicopters for their continued trust in Airbus Helicopters and the H145 model.

The H145 is particularly known for its low acoustic footprint, making it the quietest helicopter in its class, and its ability to address more than 95% of the world's current and future offshore wind farms projects due to its outstanding performance for transport and hoisting of wind farm technicians.

1. In the midst of the renewable energy revolution, HTM Helicopters has embraced the five-bladed version of the Airbus H145 helicopter, a move that aligns with their offshore wind operations and serves to advance the industry's finance and technology.
2. The new aerospace technology in the H145 helicopter, specifically the multi-role capabilities and the high-performance 4-axis autopilot, allow for increased flexibility in various weather and light conditions, thereby reducing downtime and contributing to improved operational efficiency.
3. Beyond the benefits of increased payload capacity and improved maneuverability for safe and efficient transportation, the H145's reduced vibrations and stress, along with its low acoustic footprint, underscores its commitment to enhancing safety and reliability, particularly in the demanding offshore environment.

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