In late 2023, the French Armament General Directorate (DGA) placed an order for 42 brand-new Airbus H145 helicopters on behalf of the Ministry of Interior, marking the beginning of a significant procurement initiative. The delivery schedule is set to commence in 2024, and these helicopters serve various critical roles within the French defense and security landscape.
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Out of the total 42 helicopters, a substantial portion, precisely 36, are designated for the French rescue and emergency response agency, Sécurité Civile. The remaining six H145 helicopters are allocated for use by the French law enforcement agency, Gendarmerie Nationale (Picture source: Airbus Helicopters)
Out of the total 42 helicopters, a substantial portion, precisely 36, are designated for the French rescue and emergency response agency, Sécurité Civile. The remaining six H145 helicopters are allocated for use by the French law enforcement agency, Gendarmerie Nationale. It's worth noting that the contract includes an option for an additional 22 H145 helicopters to be potentially acquired by the Gendarmerie Nationale in the future.
Furthermore, the contract encompasses a comprehensive range of support and service solutions, ranging from training provisions to the supply of spare parts. Additionally, it incorporates a complete initial support package for the newly acquired aircraft, ensuring their operational readiness.
Bruno Even, the CEO of Airbus Helicopters, expressed his pride in the enduring relationship between Airbus and the Gendarmerie Nationale and Sécurité Civile. He emphasized the remarkable track record of the H145, particularly in the challenging mountainous terrain of the French Alps, where the Sécurité Civile has conducted numerous rescue missions. Moreover, Even highlighted the H145's global presence in law enforcement agencies, emphasizing that the Gendarmerie will benefit from a cutting-edge helicopter equipped with the latest mission systems.
Currently, Sécurité Civile operates four five-bladed H145 helicopters, which were acquired in 2020 and 2021. The 36 new H145s will gradually replace the existing fleet of 33 EC145s, currently deployed for rescue and air medical transport services across France.
For the Gendarmerie, the six H145 helicopters represent the initial step in modernizing their fleet, which currently comprises Ecureuils, EC135s, and EC145s. These newly acquired H145s will be equipped with advanced features, including an electro-optical system and a mission computer, enabling them to excel in demanding law enforcement missions.
Certified by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency in June 2020, this updated version of Airbus' highly regarded H145 light twin-engine helicopter introduces an innovative five-bladed rotor system. This enhancement increases the helicopter's useful load by 150 kg while enhancing overall comfort, simplicity, and connectivity. Powered by two Safran Arriel 2E engines, the H145 benefits from full authority digital engine control (FADEC) and the Helionix digital avionics suite. It incorporates a high-performance 4-axis autopilot system, enhancing safety and reducing pilot workload. Notably, the H145 is known for its exceptionally low acoustic footprint, making it the quietest helicopter in its class.
At present, Airbus has a robust presence in the aviation sector, with over 1,675 H145 family helicopters in active service worldwide, collectively amassing more than 7.6 million flight hours. This demonstrates the enduring popularity and reliability of the H145 model in a diverse range of operational environments.
