Airbus Helicopters and German Armed Forces sign largest contract for H145Ms
Donauwörth – 82 H145M Helicopters from Airbus for Advanced Operations in Germany
The German Armed Forces and Airbus Helicopters have signed a contract to purchase up to 82 H145M multi-role helicopters (62 firm orders plus 20 options). This is the largest order ever placed for the H145M and consequently the largest for the HForce weapon management system. The contract also includes seven years of support and services, ensuring optimal entry into service. The German Army will receive fifty-seven helicopters, while the Luftwaffe Special Forces will receive five.
“We are proud that the German Armed Forces have decided to order up to 82 H145M helicopters,” said Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters. “The H145M is a robust multi-role helicopter and the German Air Force has gained considerable operational experience with its H145M LUH fleet for Special Operations Forces. We will ensure that the German Armed Forces receive the helicopters according to a very ambitious delivery schedule that envisions first deliveries in 2024, less than a year after the contract is signed.”
The H145M is a multi-role military helicopter offering a wide range of operational capabilities. In a matter of minutes, the helicopter can be reconfigured from a light attack role with ballistic and guided weapons and a modern self-protection system into a special operations version, including equipment for rapid abduction. Full mission packages include winching and external transport capabilities. In addition, the new German H145M includes options for future operational capabilities, including the ability to operate with Man-Autonomous Steering Team integration and improved communication and data link systems.
The basic version of the H145Ms ordered will be equipped with fixed devices, including the weapons management system, HForce, developed by Airbus Helicopters. This allows the German Armed Forces to train its pilots on the same type of helicopter used for operations and combat. Costly type transfers are eliminated and the highest level of professionalism will be achieved.
The H145M is the military version of the proven H145 twin-engine light helicopter. The global fleet of the H145 family has accumulated more than seven million flight hours. It is used by armed forces and police forces around the world for the most demanding missions. The German Armed Forces already operates 16 H145M LUH SOFs and 8 H145 LUH SARs. The U.S. Army employs nearly 500 H145 family helicopters under the UH-72 Lakota name. Current operators of the H145M are Hungary, Serbia, Thailand and Luxembourg; Cyprus has ordered six aircraft.
Equipped with two Turbomeca Arriel 2E engines, the H145M is equipped with full authority digital engine control (FADEC). In addition, the helicopter is equipped with the Helionix digital avionics suite, which, together with innovative flight data management, includes a high-performance 4-axis autopilot, greatly reducing the pilot’s workload during missions. Its unique reduced noise impact makes the H145M the quietest helicopter in its class.