Heligo receives its first Airbus H145 helicopter from Milestone Aviation

Bengaluru, 20 February 2019: Milestone Aviation Group Limited (Milestone), a GECAS company and the global leader in helicopter leasing, and Airbus Helicopters announced today that Heligo Charters Private Limited (HCPL), a Mumbai-based non-scheduled helicopter operator has taken delivery of its first H145 helicopter. The helicopter’s configuration will allow it to perform a variety of missions. The aircraft taken on lease from Milestone will start operations soon in the state of Jharkhand.

“We take immense pride in the fact that Heligo has placed its trust in Milestone’s certainty of execution to deliver the aircraft, coupled with our financial and technical capabilities. We look forward to continuing to grow this long-term relationship,” said Michael York, Senior Vice President of Commercial at Milestone.

HCPL is a leading onshore and offshore helicopter services provider to the oil & gas industry, corporate and VIP travel in India.. The company currently operates 10 helicopters, including four Airbus AS365 N3 Dauphins.

“HCPL will use the versatile H145 helicopter for a variety of missions. With enhanced safety features and a reputation for reduced maintenance, the H145 is an ideal craft for performing diverse roles,” said Capt K Padmanabhan, CEO, Heligo Charters Pvt Ltd.

Airbus’ H145 is the latest member of its 4-tonne-class twin-engine rotorcraft product range – with designed-in mission capability and flexibility, especially in high and hot operating conditions. Compact in size, this helicopter’s small footprint and large, flexible cabin makes it the aircraft of choice for a variety of missions. It provides latest technologies, like the advanced cockpit design with the most modern Human Machine Interface (HMI) and state-of-the-art Helionix® avionics, more powerful engines, an enhanced transmission system and a Fenestron® anti torque-device.

These new technologies are combined with the rugged and proven design elements of the H145 - the main rotor system and the multipurpose cabin. Built-in safety aspects include an energy absorbing fuselage and seats and crash-resistant fuel cells. Compared to other helicopters in its class, the H145 offers a significantly larger cabin featuring excellent outside visibility for pilots, crew and passengers; a roomy cabin with no partitions, center or door posts; and unrivalled side and rear loading capability.

Airbus will be displaying a similar H145 at Aero India 2019 in Bengaluru from 20 - 24 February 2019.  

Bundeswehr orders H145 search and rescue helicopters

Donauwörth – The Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINWBw) has ordered seven H145 helicopters to replace the German Armed Forces’ (Bundeswehr) obsolete Bell UH-1D search and rescue fleet. The aircraft will be delivered in 2020 and will be stationed at the sites in Niederstetten, Holzdorf and Nörvenich. Airbus Helicopters will also be responsible for logistics support, repair, and maintenance of the helicopters.

“We’re proud to have received another order for our H145 family from the Bundeswehr. This will further standardise the Bundeswehr’s fleet of light helicopters,” said Wolfgang Schoder, Airbus Helicopters’ Executive Vice President Light Helicopters and Governmental Programmes. “The helicopters already operated by the Bundeswehr have proven themselves in particular through their very high levels of operational availability, and we see a lot more possibilities for the flexible and reliable H145 family to perform a wide range of tasks in all branches of the armed forces.”

According to an agreement with the Federal Ministry of Transport, the Bundeswehr is also responsible for search and rescue operations in the event of aircraft accidents on German territory. It therefore maintains a fleet of search and rescue helicopters on permanent standby; and these helicopters are also available for use in national disaster management operations. The Bell UH-1D model currently in use by the Bundeswehr first entered into service in the early 1970s.

Among other features, the H145 LUH SAR (Light Utility Helicopter Search and Rescue) helicopters are equipped with high-performance cameras, searchlights, emergency beacon locator systems, a full suite of medical equipment, rescue winches and load hooks that can be used for fire-extinguishing tanks for example.

The H145M, the military version of the H145, is a tried-and-tested light twin-engine helicopter that was first delivered to the Bundeswehr in 2015 and has since also been ordered by Serbia, Hungary, Thailand and Luxembourg. Mission readiness of the H145Ms already in service is above 95%.

At its site in Laupheim, the Bundeswehr operates 15 H145Ms as light support helicopters for special forces. The helicopter pilots of all branches of the armed forces train on the H135, the H145’s ‘little sister’.

Powered by two Safran Arriel 2E engines, the H145 is equipped with full authority digital engine control (FADEC) and the Helionix digital avionics suite. It includes a high-performance 4-axis autopilot, increasing safety and reducing pilot workload. Its particularly low acoustic footprint makes the H145 the quietest helicopter in its class.

Airbus Helicopters delivers the world’s first ACH145 Line to a Brazilian customer

São Paulo, Airbus Helicopters’ Brazilian customer centre, Helibras has just delivered the world's first ACH145 Line to the Brazilian company Bodepan Empreendimentos Agropecuários e Imobiliários. This is the fourth Airbus aircraft acquired over the last 26 years by Bodepan, which has already operated several models, including the EC135. With more than 220 aircraft operating worldwide, the H145 has consolidated worldwide and is strongly reaching the Brazilian market with a proposal of comfort, technology and versatility. "Inquiries about the aircraft have been growing, especially after the last LABACE, when we presented the first H145 in Brazil. This helicopter is the best biturbine in its category”, says Jean-Luc Alfonsi, Helibras Vice-President of Business and Services. "We are very pleased with the acquisition of this new model in terms of performance, space and design. The ACH145 will enable us to make our journeys more comfortable and carrying more passengers. As operators since 1992, we have full confidence in the brand", states Mr. Odílio Bergamini.

The ACH145 Line, previously known as ACH Stylence, features increased ergonomic comfort, acoustic insulation and innovative design. Its sliding doors provide easy  passenger access and its spacious cabin allows for a variety of internal configurations. The luxurious interior of the delivered aircraft features 9 or 10 seats in perforated leather in tonal harmony with the carpets, special painting in the cabin and state-of-the-art digitally-controlled air conditioning. In addition to the shrouded tail rotor (Fenestron) and new engines (Arriel 2E), one of the big advances compared to the previous version of the aircraft (EC145) is the new concept of man/machine interface optimized through the Helionix™ digital avionics package,4-axis autopilot linked to the Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC), which significantly reduces the crew's workload.

Since its launch in 2017, Airbus Corporate Helicopters is setting new standards in corporate and VIP helicopter aviation focusing on quality, exclusivity and customer –experience supported by a global network of wholly-owned and approved service centres.

Airbus to deliver Canada’s first H145 in HEMS configuration to STARS air ambulance

STARS’ initial H145s will be delivered in 2019 and will be based in Calgary, Alberta

Fort Erie, Ontario, Following an extensive RFP process, Airbus’ H145 was selected as the fleet replacement aircraft for STARS air ambulance’s aging fleet, becoming the first H145s in HEMS configuration to enter Canada.

The twin-engine H145 was chosen thanks to its exceptional HEMS heritage and safety record with its BK117 and EC145 predecessors. Offering the largest cabin in its class and unbeatable payload, the H145 is perfectly suited for STARS’ mission requirements.

The H145, with HEMS interior, will support STARS’ highly skilled professionals in providing a safe, rapid, highly specialized emergency medical transport for the critically ill and injured, many of which are located in rural areas.

“The impressive new H145 fleet is a generational investment in our future, helping us continue to provide critical care services for decades to come,” said Andrea Robertson, President and Chief Executive Officer of STARS. “A unified fleet is considered best practice in terms of safety, fleet management, dispatch flexibility, and cost-effectiveness.”

The first tranche of H145s will be delivered in 2019 and will be based out of STARS’ Calgary, Alberta base.

“STARS air ambulance has set a fantastic record and example for EMS operations, not only in Western Canada but across the country,” said Romain Trapp, President of Airbus Helicopters Canada. “We thank STARS for entrusting Airbus and the H145 to support their life-saving operations. We look forward to accompanying STARS on their journey to serve patients in Western Canada for generations to come.”

Airbus’ H145 is Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA) certified and is the latest member of its 4-ton-class twin-engine rotorcraft product range. To date, the global H145 fleet has achieved more than 100,000 flight hours since entry into service in 2015, with more than 200 units delivered.

The helicopter is easily customized for intensive care transport, due to its easy and safe loading/unloading of patients through wide side sliding doors and large rear clamshell doors. The H145’s spacious, unobstructed cabin provides full body access and greater comfort for the medical crew, and its extremely low external sound levels allow neighbourhood-friendly operations around hospitals and in urban areas.

Impulso competitivo y capacidades operativas mejoradas para el H145

Extensión de la garantía para los motores Arriel 2E en los H145, y lanzamiento de la siguiente evolución de Helionix (Step 3)

Amsterdam, los clientes del Airbus Helicopters H145 se beneficiarán a partir de ahora de una extensión en la garantía de los motores Arriel 2E desde dos años/1.000 horas y hasta tres años/2.000 horas. Ésta es únicamente válida para los H145 entregados a partir de enero de este año 2018.

Además Airbus también ha lanzado Helionix Step 3 para los H145, una versión actualizada de la suite de aviónica de Airbus que mejora el conocimiento de la situación, aumenta la disponibilidad, acelera la conectividad del helicóptero y reduce los costes de mantenimiento.

En comparación con el Step 2, el Step 3 de Helionix aumenta significativamente el conocimiento de la situación a los pilotos y tripulaciones de vuelo gracias al nuevo Sistema de Visión Sintética (Synthetic Vision System) que es capaz de identificar los obstáculos, a través del que también mostrará las instalaciones aeronáuticas como pistas y helipuertos, así como elementos del paisaje como áreas urbanas, carreteras y ferrocarriles, pudiendo desde ahora ser observados más fácilmente por la tripulación en el cockpit, lo que permite operaciones más seguras.

Helionix también realiza un seguimiento del tiempo de vuelo, midiendo el mismo con exactitud desde el despegue hasta el aterrizaje.

Gracias a la exactitud del seguimiento del tiempo en vuelo, las compañías pueden operar el helicóptero hasta en un 20% más dentro del mismo calendario de mantenimiento, en comparación con el seguimiento de horas de vuelo tradicional (a través del libro de registro del piloto). Esto conlleva una reducción de los costes de mantenimiento directo de hasta en un 6%.

La actualización también facilitará la conectividad del helicóptero, permitiendo a los operadores transmitir los datos de uso mientras el helicóptero está volando, a través de un servidor de comunicaciones como equipo opcional.

"La extensión de la garantía de los motores, junto con la actualización de Helionix, ofrecerán una mayor calidad para los clientes al proporcionar operaciones más seguras y permitir a los operadores utilizar la gran cantidad de datos generados en cada vuelo individual". Axel Humpert, Director del programa H145 de Airbus.

Helionix Step 3 también está disponible para el H175, y próximamente también en el H135.

El H145 es el líder del mercado para misiones de carácter policial y de búsqueda y rescate (SAR), con una flota combinada de más de 200 helicópteros en todo el mundo, que han acumulado conjuntamente ya más de 100.000 horas de vuelo.

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.

Hiratagakuen strengthens Japan’s aeromedical operations with Airbus fleet

Kansai-based helicopter operator Hiaratagakuen welcomed its second H145//BK117D

Tokyo, Kansai-based helicopter operator Hiaratagakuen welcomed its second H145//BK117D-2 today, following the milestone delivery of its first unit in December 2017. Currently operating 14 H135 and one H145//BK117D-2, this new H145//BK117D-2 will join Hiratagakuen’s growing fleet to support emergency medical service (EMS) missions, and serves as a passenger and material transport. The first H145//BK117D-2 has already entered service in June 2018 for aeromedical operations at the Nagasaki Medical Centre in Nagasaki Prefecture.

With Japan’s full-scale deployment of air ambulances in 2001, EMS helicopters, otherwise known as ‘Doctor Helicopters’, have taken on more prominent roles in the country, enabling rapid evacuation of casualties from affected sites, and providing critical care without delay aboard medically equipped helicopters, while in transit to the medical facility. In 2010, the Kansai government implemented region-wide EMS support network and Hiratagakuen became its main operator of these life-saving missions. Today, there are over 50 helicopters supporting emergency medical missions in 42 prefectures across Japan.

Mitsuhiro Hirata, Vice President, Aviation Operation Division of Hiratagakuen said at the delivery ceremony: “Operating in a time-sensitive EMS environment where every second matters, it is important for us to be equipped with the right helicopters for these demanding aeromedical missions. We have been well supported by a strong Airbus fleet for nearly two decades, especially with the recent introduction of the H145//BK117D-2 helicopters into our operations. We are confident that the timely addition of the second H145 helicopter will augment our aeromedical operations, as we continue to perform life-saving missions safely in the country.”

Olivier Tillier, Managing Director of Airbus Helicopters Japan commented: “Airbus is happy to play a supportive role in Japan’s EMS ecosystem, especially with the first EMS-configured H145//BK117D-2 entering service into Hiratagakuen’s fleet early summer this year, joining soon by its second unit for aeromedical operations. Given its flexibility, agility and high operational efficiency, we know that our H145//BK117D-2 will continue to lend capable support to Hiratagakuen’s every EMS mission.”

The H145//BK117D-2 is developed in co-operation with Kawasaki Heavy Industries to deliver excellent performance throughout the flight envelope. It comes with the state-of-the-art Helionix avionics suite and designed-in mission capability and flexibility, especially in high and hot operating conditions. With a large cabin, a compact airframe and powerful engines, the H145//BK117D-2 is the aircraft of choice for a variety of missions including EMS, air rescue, law enforcement and aerial work. More than 1,400 H145//BK117D-2 helicopters have been delivered worldwide, achieving close to 5 million flight hours.

Hoy se cumplen 8 años desde el primer vuelo del H145 (EC145 T2)

H145, ©Charles Abarr/Airbus Helicopters

Tal dia como hoy, el 26 de junio del 2010 (8 años atrás), realizaba su primer vuelo el más moderno de la familia de helicópteros bimotor de Airbus, el H145 (EC145 T2/BK117 D2).

Esta última versión de la famila EC145/BK117 se diferencia principalmente por su antipar carenado de tipo Fenestron, nueva TGB, MGB actualizada, la supresión de los End Plates (estabilizadores verticales laterales), un puro de cola fabricado en materiales compuestos, doble actuador para el Fenestron y dos sistemas hidráulicos, motores Safran Arriel 2E y la suite de aviónica Helionix (que incorpora AFCS de cuatro ejes en todos los modelos que la montan, actualmente: H135, H160, H175 y por supuesto el H145). 

Sin embargo Airbus Helicopters ha tenido una amplia visión comercial para la familia 145, manteniendo en producción las dos versiones del helicóptero medio con rotor principal rígido, una decisión muy acertada por parte del fabricante ya que proporciona al cliente la opción que mejor se adapte a sus necesidades.

En  conjunto, la serie BK117, EC145 y H145, ha supuesto para el fabricante Airbus Helicopters la venta de unas 1.300 unidades que, entre todas ellas, han superado ya los 4 millones de horas de vuelo.

El H145 tiene la capacidad de transporte de hasta un máximo de once pasajeros en single-pilot y diez en multi-pilot (según configuración). Es un helicóptero adaptable para cualquier tipo de misión en onshore y offshore, además también está disponible la variante militar H145M.

H145 ha sido pensado para operar en ambientes cálidos y fríos, ofreciendo un magnífico rendimiento; es Categoría A. Además su planta motriz entrega una gran potencia incluso en sitiación de OEI, lo que proporciona un elevado aumento de seguridad, superior a otros helicópteros de su misma clase.

Airbus Helicopters delivers first H145s to Rega

A total of six helicopters for Swiss Air-Rescue

Donauwörth, Airbus Helicopters has delivered the first two of a total of six H145 helicopters to Swiss Air-Rescue Rega. These will replace Rega’s existing fleet of EC145 helicopters, which will be phased out by mid-2019. The first H145 helicopter is expected to be deployed at the Bern base in October.

Over a period of 15 years, the six EC145s have proven themselves to be reliable and versatile rescue helicopters, providing airborne medical assistance to around 60,000 patients to date. Thanks in part to these positive experiences, Rega is now opting for the H145, the successor to the EC145. “The H145 represents a continuation of our success story and ensures that we can continue to provide our patients with reliable and professional help in the years to come,” said Ernst Kohler, CEO of Rega.

“We are proud that such an internationally renowned operator as Rega has placed its trust in our H145 family over such a long period of time,” said Wolfgang Schoder, CEO of Airbus Helicopters Deutschland.

The H145 is the market leader for police and rescue missions with a combined fleet of over 200 helicopters worldwide, which have jointly accumulated more than 100,000 flight hours. The agile H145 is particularly well suited for special intensive care transports thanks to its spacious cabin and a maximum take-off weight of 3.7 tons. The helicopters are equipped with the Helionix digital avionics suite, providing user-friendly flight data management and a high-performance 4-axis autopilot, which considerably reduces pilot workload during missions. Its particularly low acoustic footprint makes the H145 the quietest helicopter in its class.  

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.

H145 is best in class for hoist operations with increased engine power

Marignane, 21 April 2017 – Airbus has extended the flight envelope of the H145 by enhancing the helicopter’s OEI power. The acronym OEI stands for “One-engine-inoperative”, measuring the performance of an aircraft with only one engine remaining operative. With the increased power, the light-twin helicopter H145 can accommodate two additional technicians or can fly longer distances during a mission which requires human external cargo (HEC) operations.

The OEI performance is especially important for HEC missions, thus supporting the H145’s leading position in the offshore wind energy market. HEC is the ability to safely carry human beings on a winch in the air, for example the transfer of technicians to offshore platforms. An increase in OEI power gives the operators more leeway for hoisting operations, which are strictly regulated in terms of engine power and weight parameters. The light-twin helicopter H145 now offers roughly nine percent increased hover performance capability in OEI mode within the two minutes power band, allowing 40 percent more useful load for the operator.

This improvement has been implemented in alignment with helicopter operators and the offshore and energy industry. The H145 offers the highest performance parameters in all HEC categories in its class.

The upgrade was certified by the European Airworthiness Safety Agency (EASA) in March 2017. The H145’s enhanced power and load capabilities will in particular bring benefit to commercial winch operators for missions such as hoisting to offshore wind turbine generators, sea / harbour pilot transfer or powerline maintenance. The new certification allows safe OEI-performance for 2.5min, as the higher 30sec OEI-power is taken into account within an emergency situation.

Wiking Helikopter Service GmbH, who just won the Sea Pilot Contract for the German North Sea for the next 3 years is the first offshore operator to perform operations with the increased engine performance after the engine upgrade by Safran. “The additional power reserves of the H145 contribute even more to safety and efficiency of our daily operations over the North Sea in all weather conditions” said Alexander von Plato, Managing Director of Wiking Helikopter Service.

The H145 in offshore configuration is equipped with a Hoist certified for HEC, an emergency floatation system certified for Sea State 6, a helicopter emergency egress lighting system, a weather radar and an automatic deployable emergency locator transmitter. In its offshore seating configuration the H145 can transport up to eight passengers. The combination of compact external dimensions, a comparatively small rotor diameter and the largest interior in its class make the H145 highly suitable for offshore operations.

With a share of approximately 60 percent, Airbus Helicopters is market leader in the wind/offshore helicopter segment, building on its more than 40 years of experience in supplying helicopters for offshore missions such as transport to oil & gas platforms, search and rescue or sea pilot transport. In the medium term, Airbus estimates the global demand in this segment to grow to more than 1,000 aircraft, and expects a market share of more than 50 percent.