Expanded police forces in two German states have chosen to procure the five-bladed H145 helicopters.
The German state police forces have taken a significant step forward in modernizing their air support capabilities with the incorporation of Airbus H145 helicopters for advanced law enforcement and public safety roles.
The H145, a versatile light twin-engine helicopter, has been chosen for its ability to carry 1-2 pilots plus up to 10 passengers and operate in challenging environments. With a takeoff and landing capability at 20,000 ft, it is particularly advantageous for police operations and rescues.
The new version of the H145, unveiled at Heli-Expo 2019 in Atlanta, features a new, innovative five-bladed rotor that increases the useful load by 150 kg. This upgrade, along with state-of-the-art police equipment, makes the H145 an ideal choice for missions including search and rescue, surveillance, and transport.
Features like electronic self-protection systems, ballistic protection, electro-optical sensors, and the ability to operate day and night enhance its operational effectiveness. The H145 is also equipped with full authority digital engine control (FADEC) and the Helionix digital avionics suite, ensuring smooth and efficient performance.
In Saxony, the state has invested around 60 million euros to purchase and train pilots for three new state-of-the-art H145 police helicopters, marking a pioneering step in modernizing their air support capabilities. At least three H145 helicopters are confirmed in police service in Saxony as of late 2024, with ongoing investment and training suggesting broader adoption within German state police forces.
The Ministries of Interior of Lower Saxony and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania have also ordered two five-bladed H145 helicopters each for their respective police forces.
The H145 stands out for its low acoustic footprint, making it the quietest helicopter in its class, and its CO2 emissions are the lowest amongst its competitors. The simplicity of the new bearingless main rotor design eases maintenance operations, contributing to its overall appeal.
Stefan Thomé, Managing Director of Airbus Helicopters in Germany, stated that the H145 has been chosen for the police forces of Lower Saxony and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. With its advanced technology, flexibility, and suitability for various police and rescue missions, the H145 is expected to be the backbone of the German state police forces for the next decades.
Gadgets like electronic self-protection systems, ballistic protection, electro-optical sensors, and FADEC are part of the state-of-the-art technology incorporated into the H145 helicopters that are being adopted by various German state police forces. The versatile light twin-engine helicopters, equipped with these gadgets, are also known for their low acoustic footprint and lower CO2 emissions compared to their counterparts, making them a preferred choice in the realm of technology and public safety.
