WA Police Force this week took delivery of Australia's first five-blade Airbus H145.
The aircraft is the first of two ordered by WA Police Force, which becomes the first law enforcement organisation in the southern hemisphere to operate the type.
Speaking at the aircraft unveiling ceremony on 26 July, Commissioner of WA Police Force Col Blanch said: “The H145 provides a significant capability uplift that will enable our people to enforce the law, prevent crime, and manage and coordinate emergencies like never before.
“Seconds count when providing timely and quality responses to calls for help. The H145’s enhanced technology gives it better take-off performance and the aircraft’s ability to respond quickly and provide evidence quality, real-time tactical situational awareness to officers on the ground, will facilitate improved decision making and response."
The new H145 offers a range of capabilities for the WA Police Force, including single-pilot IFR and NVG capabilities. The H145 is fitted with a fully integrated police mission system, as well as Airbus’ Helionix avionics suite and four-axis autopilot.
Powered by two Safran Arriel 2E engines, the H145 is equipped with full authority digital engine control (FADEC) and the Helionix digital avionics suite. The five-blade rotor increases the useful load by 150 kg.
WA Police Force is expected the second helicopter by the end of the year.