Airbus Helicopters focuses on the wind turbine growth market

Hamburg, Airbus Helicopters views the support for wind farms as a business segment that is undergoing global growth and expects demand for up to a thousand helicopters over the coming two decades, corresponding to revenues of approximately €9 billion. Airbus Helicopters will present its supply, maintenance and crew transport solutions at the WindEnergy expo, which will be held in Hamburg from 25 to 28 September.

“Helicopters are an integral part of any logistics concept for offshore wind farms,” says Dennis Bernitz, Head of Western Europe Sales. “Our helicopters can complete missions for wind farms in a particularly quick, economical, safe and environmentally friendly manner. Helicopters can be used to deploy technicians or medical personnel in emergencies, even in rough seas, and can also transport operating personnel between the shore and the wind farm.” Helicopter transport means that personnel avoid problems with seasickness caused by travelling by sea in rough weather conditions. The probability of mistakes being made by seasick technicians is considerably higher than in the case of healthy technicians; in severe cases, the error rate climbs dramatically.

With turbine output rising, leading to a higher rate of electricity production, wind farm operators rely on an efficient, rapid-response logistics system, relying on high availability, to keep losses to a minimum should a malfunction occur. At the same time, wind farms are being built further and further from the shore. A helicopter can cover 40 nautical miles (approximately 74 km) in 20 minutes, meaning it can reach the site and return to shore faster than a transport vessel.

Airbus Helicopters has developed a logistics calculator for wind farm operators, which takes into account all relevant factors – weather, location and the number of turbines in the wind farm – to determine the most economical and environmentally friendly logistics solution which includes options on the mix of transport and special-purpose vessels.

Companies do not usually purchase the means of transport themselves, but lease the services from operators. Airbus Helicopters offers the H135, H145 and H175 rotorcraft for crew transport, maintenance and rescue missions. In future, the H160 is also expected to be available to this market. With their two engines and four-axis autopilot, these Airbus helicopters have the ability to hover in the air and safely and precisely winch down personnel or goods to exactly where they are needed.

El EC145 en la Gendarmerie Nationale (Francia)

EC145 C2, Gendarmerie Nationale, ©Airbus Helicopters

En junio del pasado año el Cuerpo francés encargó una nueva unidad del helicóptero medio de Airbus para aumentar la flota de los catorce EC145 de la Gendarmerie Nationale, la plataforma multimisión para las misiones críticas que realizan en las que, además de todo tipo de operaciones policiales, se encuentran las misiones SAR (onshore y offshore) y traslados médicos, ambos incluso en alta montaña.

La Gendarmería Nacional francesa también cuenta, dentro de su flota, con helicópteros monomotor Ecureuil y bimotores H135.

Para el amplio abanico de misiones estos helicópteros EC145 montan una grúa de rescate externa, un faro de búsqueda y sistema de radiocomunicaciones específicas, además del cockpit CPDS (ya que únicamente monta Helionix el H145, o EC145 T2, el Charlie 2 -al menos por el momento y sin noticias de cambio- mantiene el panel Meghas del fabricante Thales).

La  familia 145 mantiene en cadena de montaje a los también designados BK117 C2, C2e y D2 -BK117 D2 es el H145, que fue denominado EC145 T2 antes de la HGeneration (enero de 2015)-. Es un diseño inicial en colaboración entre los fabricantes MBB (desde 1992 integrado en Eurocopter, desde enero del 2014 Airbus Helicopters) y Kawasaki Heavy Industries Japan, que comenzó con la primera serie comercializada (BK117 A1). La  división alemana Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH es la encargada de fabricar tanto las versiones del EC145 como las del H145. 

Desde el BK117 al EC145

La serie BK117, concretamente la variante A1, realizó su primer vuelo el 12 de  junio de 1979 y obtuvo la certificación de la EASA en 1982. Hubo  un BK117 A2 que se utilizó únicamente  para realizar los test de evolución sobre  la siguiente serie del BK, nunca obtuvo  la certificación porque no se llegó a comercializar, sin embargo este  magnífico helicóptero recibió  modificaciones importantes entre los años 1985 y 1992, utilizando como plataforma inicial el A2, dando lugar a  las variantes BK117 A3, A4, B1, B2 y C1.  

El  primer EC145 es el denominado en  principio BK117 C2, obtuvo la  certificación de la EASA en diciembre  del año 2000, que además de los cambios tecnológicos que ha recibido se distingue -quizás de una manera más común, sin entrar en detalles técnicos- por su mayor capacidad de  carga y espacio en cabina, al mismo tiempo que un menor peso en vacío de todo el conjunto y mayor potencia, lo que lo hace más capaz.  

En 2011 se le incorporó un panel digital (o glass-cockpit) del fabricante Garmin (G500H), que recibió la certificación en  2013; éste dio lugar a la variante EC145 C2e que se trata de una versión aligerada de peso pensada para single-pilot, que aunque sólo monta medio panel puede configurarse monomando o bien llevar controles para dos pilotos (en cualquiera de las dos siempre llevará el panel en el lado derecho del comandante). 

El más moderno de la serie, el H145 (EC145 T2) realizó su primer vuelo en  julio de 2010, y  recibió la certificación  de la EASA en 2014. 

Tanto los EC145 como los H145 son  helicópteros multimisión de tamaño medio, con estructura semi-monocasco, y clase de 4 toneladas (H145 MTOW 3.800 kg). 

Toda la serie, desde los primeros BK117, ha mantenido su tamaño compacto, la cola alta y sus puertas de acceso traseras de apertura abisagrada, que abarcan todo el ancho de la aeronave, lo que les ha permitido (además de realizar tomas en lugares no preparados ni balizados en superficies difíciles, con vegetación y terreno irregular, así como operaciones a muy baja altitud tanto en onshore como offshore) convertir a los EC145 (TR normal) y H145 (TR carenado de tipo Fenestron) en quizás el helicóptero medio más apreciado en todo el mundo para misiones EMS. 

El EC145 es un helicóptero bimotor de tamaño medio, rotor principal rígido (System Bölkow) de cuatro palas y antipar semirrígido de dos, con motores Safran Arriel 1E2. El H145 se diferencia, a grandes rasgos, en la suite Helionix, el Fenestron, la eliminación de los End Plates y los motores Safran Arriel 2E. La familia 145 acumula aproximadamente ya los 4,5 millones de horas de vuelo, con las más de 1.300 unidades vendidas en todo el mundo.

La Gendarmerie Nationale opera el EC145 C2 desde el año 2002, y con los otros dos modelos de helicópteros de Airbus, AS350 B Ecureuil (en principio operativos hasta el 2025) y H135, tienen una flota de superior a las 50 unidades.

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.

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.

Asia Pacific’s HEMS, VIP and military markets present opportunities for the H145

Asia Pacific is an active region for the rotorcraft industry, where both the civil and military markets are showing potential for 2018. Among the helicopters generating the greatest interest, the H145 is already at the centre of talks with HEMS, VIP and military operators.

The Asia Pacific region extends from India to New Zealand, covering an area of 16,000 km and comprising the Pacific’s smallest islands to the entire continent of Australia. The region represents 30 percent of the global civil and parapublic helicopter fleet and 25 percent of the global military helicopter fleet. Of the 4,000 helicopters in operation in the civil and parapublic market, Airbus leads Asia Pacific with 40 percent market share, and represents close to 10 percent of the 5,000 military helicopters in operation.

Both of these markets expect to experience steady growth over the next decades. “We believe that the overall market growth in Asia Pacific will be at least 4 percent per year over the next 20 years,” says Fabrice Rochereau, Vice President and Head of Sales for Airbus Helicopters Southeast Asia Pacific.

Multiple avenues for the H145 in the civil market

Among the region’s civil markets expected to see growth, the VIP segment, tourism, and helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) are currently showing the most promise.

For Rochereau, the H145 is the helicopter to fit the bill for these three markets. “The H145 is a great performer. It can land anywhere, even in small spaces,” he says. “And its low sound signature makes it a popular choice for operations in Asia’s largest cities.” Currently, 213 H145s are in service in Asia Pacific, with 127 operators.

Rochereau expects the H145 to be a part of Airbus’ future VIP sales in the region thanks to its compact footprint and low sound levels – two qualities valued by private customers. On the other end of the spectrum, the region’s tourism market is witnessing a transformation to a middle-class demographic with the means and desire to book sightseeing flights. For excursions over water or into mountain ranges, the twin-engine H145’s manoevrability makes for exciting photo ops, all with the added performance it brings in high and hot conditions. Moreover, it is one of a handful of helicopters that meets sound restrictions for flights above the American Grand Canyon.

One of the H145’s largest civil markets for growth in Asia Pacific is HEMS. Well-developed in Australia and Thailand, HEMS is actively developing in other countries of the region. “The H135 and H145 are the world’s best-sellers for HEMS operations,” says Rochereau. “We have two H135s in operation in Malaysia, two H145s in Thailand, as well as 14 H135s and one H145/BK117 D-2 in Japan.” In 2017, Bangkok Helicopter Services became the first Asia Pacific operator to receive an EMS-configured H145.  In the same year, Japan’s Hiratagakuen became that country’s first owner of the H145/BK117 D-2 helicopter, to be deployed for EMS missions in the Nagasaki prefecture.

The numbers attest to the H145’s popularity. In 2017 alone, 76 H145s were ordered by customers globally.

Multi-purpose for the military

On the military side, the region’s defence budgets have traditionally been modest, but are growing. Many countries are seeking to supplement their militaries, while others must consider their fleet replacement requirements. In Thailand, five H145Ms and six H145s are already in use with the country’s navy and army, respectively.

Equipped with HForce, Airbus’ modular weapon system, the H145M offers a system as efficient as that of a combat helicopter such as a Tiger, but at a lower cost. “In Asia Pacific you have countries interested in having this kind of multi-role or armed scout helicopter,” says Rochereau. “The H145M is much more, because we offer a helicopter capable of using weapons but also of transporting forces, performing search and rescue, and carrying out military missions like casevac [casualty evacuation].”

In each country of the region, “there is interest or we are in an active campaign for the H145M,” says Rochereau.

Airbus Helicopters and Schiebel successfully demonstrate the highest levels of Manned-Unmanned Teaming capabilities

H145 Manned Unmanned Teaming Capabilities 1

Airbus Helicopters and Schiebel have tested Manned Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) capabilities between an H145 platform and a CAMCOPTER® S-100 Unmanned Air System (UAS), thus becoming the first European helicopter manufacturers to demonstrate this technology with the highest level of interoperability (LOI°5).

Donauwörth, 24 April 2018 – Airbus Helicopters and Schiebel have tested Manned Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) capabilities between an H145 platform and a CAMCOPTER® S-100 Unmanned Air System (UAS), thus becoming the first European helicopter manufacturers to demonstrate this technology with the highest level of interoperability (LOI°5).

The companies carried out test flights with the support of the Austrian Armaments and Defence Technology Agency. The two aircraft jointly flew different scenarios including the detection of objects hidden in places not accessible by traditional helicopters. The S-100 was controlled and piloted by an operator sitting in the helicopter. During the flights, the control was also temporarily handed over to a ground-based control station by the pilot in order to simulate the return of the manned helicopter for refueling.

The trials carried out by Airbus Helicopters and Schiebel went up to MUM-T LOI 5. This allows the manned platform to exercise full control of the UAS including its take-off and landing. LOI 1, the lowest level, is the indirect receipt and /or transmission of sensor data obtained by the UAS to the manned aircraft.

“Manned-Unmanned Teaming multiplies the capabilities of both systems”, said Mark R. Henning, Program Manager at Airbus Helicopters. “Smaller UAS with vertical take-off and landing capabilities can, for example, fly around obstacles as trees or buildings closer than a helicopter could. They are able to explore unknown territory and deliver information to the helicopter crew which is operating from a safe position and which can then step in with the helicopter’s superior effects, having received a clear picture from the UAS. Our airborne MUM-T management system will become a highly attractive feature for our entire product range including the NH90, NFH, and theTiger together with the H145 as it adds an extremely valuable operational capability. The MUM-T capability can be implemented in any kind of helicopter and can interact with all types of unmanned systems, in particular Airbus Helicopters’ new VSR 700 UAS.

In the framework of the test, the challenges of data transfer interference and electromagnetic compatibility of the UAS with the helicopter as well as the integration of a complete UAS mission planning and control system into the helicopter’s architecture were successfully managed. The S-100 mission planning and control system was provided by Schiebel. The next step will be to optimize the human machine interface based on a thorough analysis of the crew workload using the results of the flight tests.

The H145 is a tried-and-tested, twin-engine H145 civil helicopter that was first delivered in 2014. It is a rugged workhorse and best in its class for rough EMS and police missions. The H145M is the helicopter’s military version.