Philippine Coast Guard becomes Philippines’ first H145 operator for parapublic missions

Philippines, Philippine Coast Guard has placed an order for one H145 helicopter, making it the first H145 parapublic operator in the Philippines.

The new 4-tonne-class twin-engine helicopter is specially equipped with high frequency radios, emergency flotation gear, fast roping, cargo sling, search light, and electro-optical systems to perform critical missions including search and rescue, medical evacuation, maritime patrol and law enforcement. The latest contract will also encompass on-site technical support and continuing airworthiness management organisation services, fully supported by Airbus’ team in the country.

“We are honoured by the Philippine Coast Guard’s decision to introduce the country’s first parapublic H145 into its fleet, as the perfect complement to the current workhorse BO105 which has served the agency well for the past 40 years. We have full confidence in the H145’s ability to support the agency’s work, coupled with our dedicated in-country customer centre which stays committed to supporting its operations in close proximity,” said Philippe Monteux, Head of Southeast Asia and Pacific of Airbus Helicopters.

The H145 is the market leader for rescue missions, with over 1,400 helicopters of the H145 family in service globally, and achieving close to five million flight hours. Due to its small footprint, agility and designed-in mission capability and flexibility, the H145 is particularly ideal for a wide range of missions. It is equipped with Airbus’ state-of-the-art Helionix avionics suite and 4-axis autopilot system, which helps to reduce pilot workload during missions. In the Philippines alone, there are currently four H145 helicopters operating in the country, mainly for business aviation purposes.

Three years and 150 deliveries for the H145

Airbus Helicopters recently celebrated the 150th delivery of the H145, the newest member of the BK117/EC145 family.

In October 2017, Helicopter Travel Munich (HTM) received the 150th H145 helicopter from Airbus, to be used for offshore hoist operations and the transfer of service personnel working in the wind turbine industry.

The H145 (formerly EC145 T2) is a member of the EC145 and BK117 family, more than 1,400 aircraft of which have been delivered to date, notching up over 4.8 million flight hours in some 21 countries worldwide. Used mainly for EMS, air rescue, law enforcement and aerial work, the BK117/EC145 family has also been successful with military utility operations and training, with over 400 Lakota UH-72s delivered to the U.S. Army.

The H145 version was conceived as a platform with unparalleled mission abilities, a high level of flight safety, economic operating costs, and a tailored support and service package, while incorporating Airbus innovations.

A growing roster of H145 customers

In 2014, the first H145 entered operation with the German air rescue company, DRF Luftrettung. Its enhancements included two powerful Safran Arriel 2E engines with dual-channel full authority digital engine control, an upgraded main gearbox and a new antitorque system with Fenestron. The cockpit, too, underwent changes, incorporating Airbus’ innovative Helionix avionics suite with a 4-axis autopilot.

The result: a helicopter able to deliver exceptional performance in a diverse range of roles.

In law enforcement, customers like the police of Baden-Württemberg have dedicated their H145 fleet to their most challenging missions. The H145 does duty both day and night with a night vision goggle-compatible cockpit, while its advanced mission management system, together with high-end police equipment, defines a new standard in airborne law enforcement.

While the H145 has become a mainstay with police forces, it also made its mark in the offshore industry, as evidenced by HTM’s acquisition. HTM is not alone; in 2016, Wiking Helikopter Service GmbH – which services wind farms and performs North Sea missions – did business with Airbus for the first time—opting for the H145. In 2017, they added a second H145 to their fleet.

Enhancements for more performance

In March 2017, the European Airworthiness Safety Agency certified Airbus’ upgrade of the H145’s single-engine performance, increasing its hover power in one-engine-inoperative mode within the two-minute power rating by adding 230 kg useful load in operations with human external cargo.

In its offshore configuration, the helicopter can transport up to eight passengers and offshore equipment, including an external life raft system. Due to its low operating cost compared to useful load, it holds the distinction of best price in its class per passenger and mile for offshore transportation.

In addition, an optional health and usage monitoring system contributes to the aircraft’s flight safety and availability through predictive maintenance. Customers get these features in real time thanks to the helicopter’s built-in connectivity.

Today, the H145 has achieved 80,000 flight hours since entry-into-service. Among customers of the “ready for duty” four-tonne helicopter, the Babcock Group is its largest operator, with a fleet of 27 H145s, while Germany – where the H145 found its first and now, its 150th, home – is its largest market, with 30 H145s in operation.