Rega, the Swiss air-rescue service, makes a move to upgrade its fleet with an order for nine five-bladed H145 helicopters.
The Swiss Air-Rescue Service Rega has announced its order for nine new Airbus H145 helicopters, marking a significant upgrade to its current fleet. This order will see the replacement of Rega's existing four-bladed H145 versions with the new five-bladed variants, offering numerous benefits for Rega's operations.
The new H145 helicopters will introduce on-board connectivity to customers and operators through the integration of the wireless Airborne Communication System (wACS). This advanced technology will enhance communication and coordination during critical missions.
One of the key advantages of the new five-bladed H145 is the increased useful load capacity. With a capacity boost of approximately 150 kilograms, these helicopters will be better equipped to handle demanding scenarios such as air rescue and emergency medical transport. The five-bladed rotor system also offers improved ride comfort and reduced vibration, making flights more comfortable for crew and passengers.
The H145 is powered by twin Safran Arriel 2E engines, each equipped with full authority digital engine control (FADEC) for efficient and safe power management. The helicopter is also equipped with the Helionix digital avionics suite, offering high levels of automation and safety. A four-axis autopilot reduces pilot workload and enhances operational safety.
The new configuration also includes a new hoist by Vincorion, which is being certified on the five-bladed H145. This hoist will further augment Rega's mission capabilities, particularly in emergency medical services.
The navigation system of the new H145s will be state-of-the-art, integrating and controlling a multi-sensor system for enhanced navigation capabilities. The Flight Management System GTN750 Xi by Garmin will be used for navigation. Even in the event of GPS signal loss, the helicopter will navigate safely thanks to Thales' inertial navigation system.
The new H145s will be certified as navigation procedure RNP-AR 0.1, the most accurate navigation procedure in the helicopter environment. This certification underscores the precision and reliability of the new H145's navigation system.
Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters, expressed gratitude for the order, highlighting the H145's proven track record in Rega's operations since entering into service in 2018. Rega operates 13 HEMS stations in Switzerland, and its current fleet includes seven H145s and one H145 used for pilot training.
Ernst Kohler, CEO of Rega, looks forward to operating the five-bladed version on Rega's HEMS bases in Switzerland. The simplicity of the new bearingless main rotor design eases maintenance operations on the H145, ensuring smooth and efficient operations.
With over 1,500 H145 family helicopters in service, logging a total of more than six million flight hours, the H145 has proven itself to be a reliable and effective solution for various operations. The new five-bladed H145s ordered by Rega will undoubtedly contribute to Rega's mission to provide efficient, safe, and comfortable services, especially in demanding scenarios like air rescue and emergency medical transport.
The new H145 helicopters, powered by twin Safran Arriel 2E engines, will not only offer improved communication through wACS technology in the aerospace industry but also enhance safety with features like the Helionix digital avionics suite and a four-axis autopilot. The increased useful load capacity of these helicopters, coupled with the new hoist by Vincorion, will provide Rega with a technology-driven edge in the finance-intensive realm of air rescue and emergency medical transport.
