History is written with an H

With the inaugural presentation of the H160, Airbus Helicopters is making its corporate transformation visible and unveiling the company’s new brand.

The product range’s EC prefix will progressively be replaced by the letter H for Helicopter. Here some samples: EC120B – H120, EC135 T3/P3 – H135, EC145 T2 – H145, EC645 T2 – H145M. The differentiation for single- or twin-engines, will no longer be used. (Refference: Airbus Helicopters)

2010, June 25^th

First Flight of EC145 T2 – PT1

The EC145 T2, the new generation of the EC145, absolved ist first flight on June 25^th at Donauwörth. The flight took 70 minutes. Flight test engineer Carl Ockier and I were excited about the outstanding flight behaviour of the EC145 T2. (Reference: Volker Bau, testpiot EC145 T2)

2011, July until September

Hot & High – Campagne in USA with EC145 T2 – PT 1

The PT 1 successfully performed during the period from July until September a Hot & High test series, part of the certification programe.

2011, October 28^th

First Flight of EC145 T2 – PT 2

October 28^th the prototype EC145 T2 – PT 2 successfully absolved its first flight at Donauwörth. The PT 2 mainly serves to test the avionic systems.

2011 – 2012,

November until March

Cold Weather Test with EC145 T2 – PT 1 in Canada

After having successfully passed the Hot & Hight tests the PT 1 ferried to Canada in order to perform the necessary cold weather test up to – 45° C for the certification. The EASA certification is expected in Spring 2014.

2012, September 12^th

ADAC – Luftrettung signed a master agreement with Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH

for fourteen H145 (former EC145 T2) and three EC135 P2e helicopters. (Reference: Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH)

2013, July 11^th

Germany’s Special Forces Command signed a contract for 15 H145 M (former EC645 T2)

Eurocopter and the German Federal Ministry of Defense signed a contract for 15 H145 M – Light Utility Helicopters (LUH) to be used by Kommando Spezial Kräfte (KSK), Germany’s Special Forces Command.

(Reference: Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH)

2014, April

Technical Data H145 – Highlights

·         Spacious fuselage with flat floor

·         2 Turbomeca Arriel 2E engines with FADAC system

·         Outstanding single-engine performance

·         Phenomenal Hot & High performance

·         State of the art “Helionix” avionic Suite including 4-axis autopilot

·         3.650 kg max. take-off weight

·         Low noise emission far below ICAO standards

2014, July 31^st

Airbus Helicopters starts delivery of the first H145 to DRF Luftrettung

One year after the certification of the H145 the first H145 in ambulance configuration took place at Donauwörth. Dr. Wolfgang Schoder, CEO of Airbus Helicopters in Germany handed of the keys to DRF Luftrettung. DRF Luftrettung is the launch customer for the H145 signed for twenty H145 in EMS configuration. (Refernce: Airbus Helicopters)

2014, November 27^th

Maiden Flight of H145M (former EC645 T2)

High ranging representative of the German Armed Forces followed the maiden flight of H145M on November 27^th. Die first delivery of this type of rotorcraft is foreseen for autumn 2015. The H45M is the military variant of the civil H145. (Reference: Airbus Helicopters - Rotor In N° 77)

2015, May 8^th

EASA Certification for H145M

With the 8^th May 2015 the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) granted to Airbus Helicopters the certification for the H145M, the military variant of the H145. The certification paves the way for the delivery of the H145M to the German Armed Forces and the second customer the Royal Thai Navy. (Reference: Airbus Helicopters Press Release)

2015, May

Hot & High Campaign in Bolivia and Peru with H145

Within the frame of the certification process of the H145 Airbus Helicopters performed test flights under extreme condition, Hot & High, in Bolivia and Peru. The tests started at the aerodrome El Alto / La Paz, elevation 13.123 feet and went up to a height of 17.000 feet. The result were far beyond the calculated expectations. (Reference: Airbus Helicopters - Rotor June 2015)

2015, June 2^nd

Airbus Helicopters wins a full-service contract for the German Armed Forces new H145M military rotorcraft

The German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr) have awarded Airbus Helicopters a full-service contract for the new H145M rotorcraft – which will be delivered to the German Air Force later this year. (Reference: Airbus Helicopters Press Release)

2015, June 18^th

Mexican Transportes Aéros Pegaso signed framework for 10 H145 Helicopters

At the event of Paris Air Show, June 18^th 2015, Pegaso signed with Airbus Helicopters a framework agreement for ten H145 helicopters. This agreement extends the 30 years lasting partnership between Pegaso and Airbus Helicopters. The deliveries are scheduled for beginning 2016. Pegaso is the launching customer for this type of rotorcraft in Middle America. (Reference: Airbus Helicopters – Press Release)

2015, October 19^th

Police Baden-Württemberg receives the first H145 in law enforcement configuration

On 19^th October 2015 at Airbus Helicopters Deutschland, Donauwörth plant, the federal-state police Baden-Württemberg took delivery of the first H145 helicopter in police configuration. The keys of the H145 handed over to Mr. Reinhold Gall, Minister of the Interior of Baden-Württemberg by Wolfgang Schoder, CEO of Airbus Helicopters in Germany.

The highlights of the H145 law enforcement helicopter are:

·         new Arriel 2E engines with FADAC system

·         Airbus Helicopters Fenetron shrouded tail rotor

·         upgrated main- and tail gearboxes

·         digital avionics suite Helionix with 4-axis autopilot

2015, December 6^th

Delivery of the first two H145M to the German Armed Forces

On December 8^th 2015, Airbus Helicopters delivered the first two lightweight military multi-role H145M helicopters (LUH SOF) to the German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr). The helicopters will be used by the Kommando Spezialkräfte  (KSK), the German Army’s Special Forces, in Laupheim. The Bundeswehr, which is the launch customer for the H145M, has ordered 15 of these helicopters. The second customer for the H145M is the Royal Thai Navy. The H145M is the military version of the civil H145. The helicopter is designed for day and night missions, its mission equipment range also includes helmet mounted sight and display as well as a self-sealing supply tank. The two Turbomeca Arriel 2E engines are equipped with full authority digital engine control (FADAC). (Reference: Press Release Airbus Helicopters, issue December 8^th 2015)

2015, December

Airbus Helicopters raises the maximum take-off weight of the H145 to 3,700kg

·         50kg of additional useful load for increased mission capabilities

·         Upgrade available in early 2016

In December 2015, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) awarded the certification of the increased maximum take-off weight (MTOW) for the H145. With this enhancement, the helicopter can carry an extra 50kg, raising the MTOW to a total of 3,7 metric tons. As the improvement does not require any structural modifications or additional equipment, it will not cause extra costs for the Operators.

(Reference: Press Release Airbus Helicopters issue 21^st January 2016)

2016, January 28^th.

Pacific Helicopters – Papua New Guinea received the first H145

The delivery of the first of three H145 helicopters marking a milestone for both Pacific Helicopters and aviation operations in Papua New Guinea (PNG). The first H145, leased from international lessor, Waypoint Leasing, has arrived in the Eastern Highlands Provincial capital of Goroka, following final reassembly at Airbus Group Pacific’s Sydney facility. The remaining two H145, purchased and owned by Pacific Helicopters, will be delivered later this year. (Reference: Press Release Airbus Helicopters dated January 28^th 2016)

This event remembers me an event exactly 25 years ago. In Spring 1991, MBB started in Papua New Guinea a promotion tour with, at that time, with a brand-new product, the BO105 LS A-1. The tour has been made by Desmond Ross (Pilot) and Josef Gruber (Engineer Custer Service)

2016, February

Key figures of H145

Since the production start of H145 (formerly EC145) in 1999 and the first delivery to the Sécurité Civile in April 2002 more than 900 H145 helicopters were delivered to 120 operators in 44 countries. The H145 completed to date more than 3 million flight hours. A large share of the Lakota production of UH-72A in Columbus / Mississippi by Airbus Helicopters Inc. Since 2007, there have been delivered 358 UH-72A. (Status: per end 2015) so far. The contract comprises 423 Lakotas. (Reference: Rotor Airbus Helicopters -Issue No. 103)

2016, February

The H145 was approved by the Japanese Civil Aviation Authority JCAB

Beginning of February 2016 the H145 received the approval by the Japanese Civil Aviation Authority. The helicopter of the H145-family and formerly the BK117 and finally the H145 have been developed in cooperation with Kawasaki Heavy Industries. Were certain modules of H145 (formerly BK117, EC145) are manufactured by Kawasaki since the beginning of cooperation in the year 1977.Contrary to previous models of H145, certified for the Japanese market, the latest version of the H145 has now only been approved in Airbus Helicopters Version, for Japan since beginning of February 2016. Kawasaki has acquired a H145, which is used as a testbed for STC (Supplemental Type Certificate) - to test and allow to manufacture equipment by Kawasaki. (Reference: Airbus Helicopters - News Donauwörth)

2016, February 19^th

Handover of the first H145 to Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI)

On February 19, 2016, this first H145, SN 20070, was handed over during a ceremony to Representatives of Kawasaki Heavy Industries in Donauwörth. The helicopter will be used at KHI as a testbed for KHI manufactured special equipment from the Japanize Airworthiness Authorities (JCAB).

2016, April 29^th

First two H145M for Royal Thai Navy

April 29^th 2016, the technical acceptance has successfully been completed per today. Airbus Helicopters has handed over the first two of five lightweight military multi-role H145M helicopters to the Royal Thai Navy. These two H145M helicopters will stay in Germany for pilot training at Airbus Helicopters’ Training Academy. All helicopters are scheduled for delivery in Thailand by September 2016. (Reference: Airbus Helicopters Press Release).

2016, July 13^th

Second H145 to Yorkshire Air Ambulance

·         H145 part-funded by the Libor Fine Funds donated by the Treasury

·         The hoist-equipped and “night-time flying capable” H145 will help YAA increase life-saving operations by 30%

At Farnborough International Air Show, in presence of Transport Minister, Robert Goodwill MP, Airbus Helicopters formally handed over the second and final H145 to Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA).

The part-funded (by 1 Million Pound from the Libor Fine Funds) H145 is equipped amongst others with a 4-axis autopilot, night-flight capable cockpit and a Bucher medical equipment specifically tailored to YAA’s equipment (Reference: Press Release – Airbus Helicopters)

2016, Ocober 12^th

Helicopter Travel Munich signs for one H145

At HeliTech – Amsterdam, Helicopter Travel Munich (HTM), the leading global helicopter offshore hoist operator HTM has signed for one H145.

The new aircraft – to be delivered in December 2017 – will be operated from HTM’s bases at Emden, Norden, Borkum and Helgoland. (Reference: Press Release – Airbus Helicopters)

2016, December 8^th

First UKMFTS H135 Juno and H145 Jupiter arrive in Britain

Oxford, the H135 Juno and the H145 Jupiter, the first two aircraft in the 32-strong fleet of UK Military Training System (UKMFTS) helicopters, marking the start of a new era in helicopter military flight training in the UK.

The aircraft will allow UK armed forces to benefit from conducting initial training on a twin-engine, full glass cockpit, the H135 and H145 family of aircraft are equipped with Airbus Helicopters advanced avionics suite Helionix. (Reference: Press Release – Airbus Helicopters)

2016, December 16^th

US Army awards five-year UH-72A Lakota logistics support contract nearly $1 billion to Airbus Helicopters Inc.

Airbus Helicopters Inc. to provide support at the Army and National Guard bases in 43 states as well as in Kwajalein, Guam, Puerto Rico and Germany.

To date, 393 UH-72As (Lakotas) have been delivered out of a contract over 423 Lakotas, including those for the Naval Test Pilot School and the Royal Thai Navy. (Reference: Press Release - Airbus Helicopters)

2016, December 28^th

new

Republic of Serbia orders nine H145M

The Republic of Serbia will acquire nine H145M helicopters from Airbus. The contract for procurement, associated services and related industrial cooperation was signed in Belgrade between Airbus Helicopters, the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Interior. (Reference: Rotor no. 107 – March 2017)

2017, February

new

40 Years of Cooperation with Kawasaki Heavy Industries

This year marks 40 years of collaboration between Airbus Helicopters and Kawasaki Heavy Industries – a cause to celebrate the highly successful cooperation in both countries Japan and Germany. In February 1977, Terneki Yamada and Dr. Ludwig Bölkow, Kawasaki Heavy Industries and Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm, a predecessor company of Airbus Helicopters, signed a cooperation agreement to produce a joint twin-engine rotorcraft for eight to ten people. The helicopter was called BK117 and later on H145. (Reference: Rotor No. 109 – October)

EBACE 2017

new

Airbus Corporate Helicopters – ACH Tailored for You

Helicopters are ideal complement to corporate and VIP customers due to the unique capabilities rotary wing aircraft bring: providing a point-to-point transport for business and corporate customers. ACH – one brand three interiors:

·         Stylence by ACH

·         ACH Exclusive

·         ACH Editions

(Reference: Rotor No. 109 – October)

2017, End March

new

400 Lakota UH-72A delivered

More than ten years after its launch, the UH-72A Lakota remains the US Army's most successful procurement program. At the end of March 2017, the US government received the 400^th helicopter from a contract of 426 helicopters. The Lakota is characterized by a very high availability rate of over 90%. Out of the 426 helicopters the US Navy designed five. Six Lakotas went to the Thai Army, the remaining machines are operated by the US Army. (Reference: Rotor No. 108 - July 2017)

2017, End August

new

First Flight of the H145M with HFORCE Weapon System

The H145M completed its first flight with a complete HForce weapon system end of August in Donauwörth, Germany. With the modular system, the H145M can be equipped with various guided and ballistic armaments such as missiles and laser guides rockets, guns machine guns and rockets. HForce is a comprehensive, modular and cost-efficient weapon system that can be used on any military version of Airbus’ civil helicopter range (H125M, H145M and H225M). (Reference: Rotor No. 109 – October)

2018, 9^th March

new

U.S. Army signed contract for 35 UH-72A Lakotas

Grand Prairie, Texas – Airbus Helicopters, Inc. received a contract values at approximately 273 million to deliver 35 additional UH-72A Lakotas for the United States Army.

Airbus builds the Lakota at its Columbus, Mississippi facility. Since the program inception in 2005, Airbus has delivered up to date mare than 412 Lakotas.

Reference: Airbus Helicopters Press Release dated 9^th March 2018.

2018, 23^rd March

new

16 additional UH-72A Lakotas for the U.S. Army

Airbus Helicopters, Inc. has received a contract to deliver 16 additional UH-72A Lakotas for the U.S. Army. The contract is the company’s second this year, highlighting the U.S. Army’s confidence and growth capability of the Lakota program.

Airbus has delivered more than 423 UH-72A Lakota aircraft from its facilities in Columbia, Mississippi, since the award of the first contract in 2005.

Reference: Airbus Helicopters – Press Release March 23^rd , 2018
Foto: Airbus Helicopters