Fifth European Operator for the Type
Cyprus has ordered six H145Ms from Airbus Helicopters for the National Guard, the company announced on 24 June.
Derived from the civil H145, the latest military version of the H145M features a new, innovative five-bladed rotor, increasing payload by 150kg and with a bearingless main rotor design that also simplifies maintenance. Equipped with the Airbus HForce weapons system, the H145M can be operated as a light attack helicopter, mounting guns, rockets and missiles. Combined with Manned-Unmanned Teaming capabilities and integration into networked combat, its bandwidth makes it the highest-performing helicopter in its class.
The H145 was developed as a civil model for day and night operations and in the most adverse conditions. It is used by armed forces, police and rescue teams all over the world. It is powered by two powerful Safran Helicopter Engines Arriel 2E turbines, controlled by the FADEC (full authority digital engine control) system. In addition, the helicopter is equipped with the Helionix digital avionics suite and thus offers not only innovative flight data management but also a powerful 4-axis autopilot, which considerably reduces the pilots’ workload in their missions. Its particularly low noise emissions make the H145 the quietest helicopter in its class. The H145M is already in service in Hungary (20), Germany (15), Serbia (9), Thailand (5) and Luxembourg (2). The US Army operates a fleet of more than 460 locally-built civil helicopters of the H145 family under the name UH-72 Lakota.
“The implementation of this agreement will provide the National Guard with a cost-effective and high-performance helicopter solution that satisfies the operational requirements set by the General Staff and addresses many of the future challenges of light attack helicopter fleets. Able to operate in very demanding environments, the H145M will enhance the National Guard’s day and night capabilities in delivering rapid response, fire power and precision, providing effective combat support, and acquiring critical information,” said Andreas P Louka, Permanent Secretary of the Cypriot MoD. “The helicopter solution conceived by the National Guard/Air Force Command would not have materialised without Airbus’ strong commitment to customer focus and satisfaction […] this contract marks the initiation of a long-term relationship with Airbus, a corporation with a reputation in safety, reliability and highest production standards”.
Olivier Michalon, EVP Global Business at Airbus Helicopters, added “Operators can use [the H145M] for tactical air transport, deployment of crisis response forces, fire support, armed reconnaissance as well as the evacuation of wounded or the liberation of hostages. There are now five different customers for the H145M in Europe, adding to the interoperability of armed forces on the continent […] We see a strong interest for the H145M across the world and we have several ongoing campaigns, which is very promising for this aircraft.”
