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Airbus Helicopters has delivered the first of two H145M multipurpose helicopter for defence and security missions to the government of Luxembourg.
The H145M is the military version of the civilian H145, a modern utility helicopter that Airbus is also pitching to Australia for two current Army projects.
For the LAND 4503 project to replace the Army’s 22 Tiger armed reconnaissance helicopters with 29 aircraft, Airbus is offering 22 upgraded Tigers and seven H145Ms to operate in a supporting role.
Under LAND 2097 Phase 4, the Army wants 16 light helicopters for use by special forces. Airbus is offering H145M for this role.
H145M is a descendant of the civilian BK117, developed by German firm Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm and Japanese firm Kawasaki. The aircraft was first flown in 1981.
The first H145M was delivered to the German Army in 2015 and Airbus now has 51 aircraft in its order book, including 15 for German special forces, nine for Serbia and 20 for the Hungarian Air Force
For the deal with Luxembourg, Airbus also provides a training and support package. The second helicopter will be delivered before the end of the year.
Airbus said Luxembourg’s helicopter is equipped with a hoist, fast roping system, high-performance camera, searchlight and advanced communication systems, with provisions for a light armour protection kit.
“The latest technologies to allow the helicopter to operate in adverse weather conditions and during night time are incorporated in the design,” the company said.
“The helicopter will be operated and serviced at Luxembourg Findel Airport, where it has been presented to public today for the first time. With a maximum take-off weight of 3.7 tonnes, the H145M can be used for a wide range of tasks, including troop and passenger transport, surveillance, air rescue, reconnaissance and medical evacuation.”
Powered by two Safran Arriel 2E engines, the H145M is equipped with full authority digital engine control (FADEC) and the Helionix digital avionics suite.
It includes a high-performance four-axis autopilot, increasing safety and reducing pilot workload. Its particularly low acoustic footprint makes the H145M the quietest helicopter in its class.
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