Airbus Helicopters and the German Bundeswehr have signed a contract for up to 82 multi-role H145M helicopters, comprising 62 firm orders and an additional 20 options making it the largest-ever for the H145M.
Airbus Helicopters and the German Bundeswehr in a historic move, inked a contract for the procurement of up to 82 multi-role H145M helicopters, comprising 62 firm orders and an additional 20 options. This monumental order not only marks the largest-ever for the H145M but also represents a significant milestone for the HForce weapon management system. The comprehensive contract includes seven years of support and services, ensuring a seamless and efficient entry into service. The German Army is set to receive fifty-seven helicopters, with an additional five designated for the Luftwaffe’s special forces.
The H145M stands as a versatile military helicopter, offering a broad spectrum of mission capabilities. With rapid reconfiguration capabilities, it can swiftly shift from a light attack role, armed with axial ballistic and guided weapons and a cutting-edge self-protection system, to a special operations version equipped with fast rappelling gear. The mission packages include hoisting and external cargo capabilities, with the new German H145M incorporating future-ready features such as Manned-Unmanned Teaming integration, upgraded data links, and advanced communication systems.
We are proud that the Bundeswehr has decided to order up to 82 H145M helicopters”, said Bruno Even, CEO, Airbus Helicopters. “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 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,” he further added.
The ordered H145Ms in their basic configuration will be equipped with fixed provisions, including the HForce weapon management system developed by Airbus Helicopters. This strategic choice allows the Bundeswehr to train its pilots on the same helicopter model used for operational and combat purposes, eliminating the need for costly type transfers and ensuring the highest level of professionalization.
The H145M is the military variant of the well-established, light twin-engine H145 helicopter, which has accumulated over seven million flight hours globally. Already in service with armed and law enforcement forces worldwide, the Bundeswehr currently operates 16 H145M LUH SOF and 8 H145 LUH SAR helicopters. Notably, the U.S. Army employs nearly 500 helicopters from the H145 family under the designation UH-72 Lakota. Other operators of the H145M include Hungary, Serbia, Thailand, Luxembourg, and Cyprus, which has six aircraft on order.
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Powered by two Turbomeca Arriel 2E engines with full authority digital engine control (FADEC), the H145M features the Helionix digital avionics suite, incorporating a high-performance 4-axis autopilot to reduce pilot workload. Its remarkably low acoustic footprint positions the H145M as the quietest helicopter in its class.
