The German Bundeswehr has signed a contract with Airbus Helicopters for up to 82 H145M multi-role helicopters, Airbus announced on 14 December 2023.
The deal, which covers 62 firm orders plus 20 options, is the largest order ever placed for the H145M and consequently the largest for the Airbus HForce weapon management system it carries. The contract also includes seven years of support and services, ensuring optimal entry into service.
Most of the purchased aircraft, 57, will go to the German Army, while the Luftwaffe’s special forces will receive five.
“We are proud that the Bundeswehr has decided to order up to 82 H145M helicopters”, Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters, was quoted as saying in a company press release. “The H145M is a robust multi-role helicopter and the German Air Force has gained a significant amount of operational experience with its H145M LUH Special Operations Forces (SOF) fleet. We will ensure that the Bundeswehr receives the helicopters in accordance with the very ambitious delivery schedule, which includes first deliveries in 2024 less than a year after contract signature.”
Offering a broad range of mission capabilities, the H145M can be reconfigured within minutes from a light attack role with axial ballistic and guided weapons and a state-of-the-art self-protection system into a special operations version including fast rappelling equipment, according to Airbus. The aircraft’s mission packages also include hoisting and external cargo capabilities. Additionally, the new German H145M includes options for upgraded datalinks and communication systems as well as future missions, such as manned-unmanned teaming operations.
The basic version of the ordered H145Ms will be equipped with fixed provisions, including Airbus’ HForce weapon management system. This allows the Bundeswehr to train its pilots on the same type of helicopter that is used for operations and combat. Costly type transfers are eliminated and the highest level of professionalisation will be achieved.
The H145M is the military version of the civilian twin-engined H145 light helicopter. The global H145 fleet has now accumulated more than seven million flight hours. The type is used by armed forces and law enforcement agencies around the world, including the Bundeswehr, which already operates 16 H145M LUH SOF and eight H145 LUH SAR (search-and-rescue) helicopters.
The US Army employs almost 500 helicopters from the H145 family under the designatin UH-72 Lakota. The other current operators of the H145M are Hungary, Serbia, Thailand and Luxembourg, while Cyprus has six on order.
Powered by two Turbomeca Arriel 2E engines, the H145M is equipped with full authority digital engine control (FADEC) and the Helionix digital avionics suite, which includes a high-performance four-axis autopilot that considerably reduces pilot workload during missions.
The H145M’s particularly low acoustic footprint makes it the quietest helicopter in its class, according to Airbus.
