Airbus Helicopters has launched their latest utility helicopter, the H145 on a demonstration tour of the Australian east coast.
The H145 is the latest development of the EC145, which evolved from the former MMB/Kawasaki BK117. It features twin FADEC Arriel 2E turbines, a shrouded Fenestron tail rotor and new avionics including a four-axis autopilot.
The aircraft will tour Australia from Melbourne to Far North Queensland from 22 June, with 15 capital cities and regional centres on the schedule.
Cedric Bessette, Director Civil Helicopters for Airbus Group Asia Pacific said the H145 represented the current pinnacle of helicopter technology.
"Airbus Helicopters investment in innovation has delivered an advanced helicopter with the highest safety and performance standards of any in its class, comfortbaly seating up to 10 passengers enjoying significantly reduced internal sound levels," he said.
"The achievement is thanks to the aircraft's enclosed Fenestron tail rotor and an automatic variable rotor speed control sytem, which, together, reduce external noise while boosting payload and range, reinforcing the H145's reputation as the quietest helicopter in the market."
Airbus Helicopters sees Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) and police operations as prime targets for the H145. With large clam-shell rear doors providing good access for stretchers and large equipment, expansive windows for observation and plenty of excess power. The H145 is also a smaller helicopter than the Agusta Westland AW 109, opening it up to operations in more confined spaces.
On a demonstration flight from Bankstown Airport on Monday, H145 pilot Diethelm Berndt demonstrated a vertical climb at maximum weight with a rate of 14-1500 feet per minute, an important capability for extraction from tight places such as treed areas and bushland.
"For the H145 innovation means enhanced safety and operational performance in challenging circumstances, wherever and whatever that might be," Bessette said.
"It's for these reasons that the H145 has a great future in our region.
Updates on the H145 tour can be seen on the Airbus Group Asia Pacific website.