Airbus H145 (Eurocopter 145) is a multi-purpose helicopter developed by the French-German company Eurocopter, also designated H145 in the Airbus Corporate Helicopters line. As we wrote in previous articles, this helicopter is the older brother of the Eurocopter 135 helicopter, has won its place, has become in demand and popular in the aviation of European countries and the world. The helicopter has been produced since 2000. As of 2020, more than 1000 such helicopters have been produced, while the Ec135 is around 700 machines. The Ec145 has absorbed most of the qualities and characteristics of its predecessor, the BK117 multi-purpose helicopter, although it is more associated with the 135th model.
In terms of size, the H145 (EC145) is not much different from the H135 (EC135), but there are still significant differences in flight performance. The 145 is equipped with 2 x Turbomeca Arriel 1E2 turboshaft engines, with a capacity of 2 x 738 hp, which is 230 – 264 horsepower more than the 135. Although the EC145 is 300 kg heavier, the empty weight is 1,790 kg, but it significantly wins in climb rate. The Eurocopter 145 gains 16.3 m / s, compared to 7.6 m / s for the 135. The cruising speed of the helicopter is 256 km / h. Flight range up to 705 km. Maximum flight time is 3 hours 55 minutes.
The standard cabin layout has 6 seats, but to achieve greater capacity, the cabin can be modified to a version with up to 10 seats. The helicopter is available in several versions, depending on its purpose.
Since the helicopter is multifunctional and multi-tasking, it is widely used in aviation in the medical version. An important factor here is the single-level floor, sliding side doors and rear double-leaf doors, which allows you to use the entire space of the helicopter to the maximum, install medical equipment. Moreover, the helicopter can accommodate 2 stretchers on wheels and 3-4 medical personnel. Its technical characteristics allow it to fly within the city, thanks to the fenestron it flies quite quietly and with less vibration. A powerful engine allows you to hover in any adverse weather conditions, in strong winds, and can land on the roof of a high-rise building without any problems. The helicopter is very stable and obedient, and most importantly safe.
The first helicopter models were produced with a tail rotor, but later the H145 series helicopter was upgraded to a version with a fenestron, an innovative Helionix navigation system was installed, a four-axis autopilot, and received a number of improvements and updates, including those affecting the main and tail rotor gearboxes.
Helionix is an innovative avionics system developed by Airbus specifically for helicopters, including high-precision warning and control systems, navigation and location systems. Under the control of such avionics, high flight accuracy and stability are achieved, protection from going beyond the flight modes is provided, the ability to perform an automated takeoff of the helicopter, landing approach with hovering.
The helicopter is also used as a police helicopter, transport helicopter, firefighting helicopter and other rescue operations. Today, the helicopter is equipped with a wide range of additional equipment, spotlights can be installed on the fuselage, a winch, rescue ropes on each side. It is also possible to install infrared, daylight and optical digital cameras with the ability to control the operator from inside the helicopter. Any additional platforms and installations can be added.
The company pays enough attention to additional equipment to improve its machine. In addition, an emergency positioning transmitter is installed. The helicopter feels comfortable over water, which allows it to fly to various drilling platforms, land on sea vessels, and so on. When used as a police helicopter, the 145th is capable of delivering a special response team of 9 people with full equipment.
The H145 version of Airbus Corporate Helicopters is used for private and commercial flights. The Stylence cabin design from Mercedes Benz is able to satisfy the most demanding passenger. Leather interior, wooden inserts and designer interior lighting maintain a favorable atmosphere of comfort throughout the flight
Why did we pay so much attention to this helicopter in our article? It’s very simple, for our country, the H145 helicopter is intended for the Water Police Department and the National Police, the National Guard, as well as for the State Emergency Service of Ukraine. Ukraine signed a contract for the supply of 55 machines in 2018 with Airbus, including 10 new H145 D3 helicopters with 5 blades, 3 of which will have an EMS medical kit installed. At least 2 D2 helicopters are already performing their tasks on the territory of our country.
The contract is worth 551 million euros. In addition to the helicopters themselves, the kit includes spare parts, additional equipment, special tools for helicopters, as well as maintenance, simulator training and training of technical personnel.
At the Heli-Expo 2019 aviation exhibition, the helicopter was presented in a modernized version of the H145 with a five-bladed main rotor, thus the helicopter became even more controllable, stable and capable of increasing its lifting capacity. The helicopter is constantly being refined, modernized and improved.
As the manufacturer himself says, this is the most flexible helicopter cabin, it can be adapted to any purpose. In our opinion, Eurocopter is probably the leader as the most convenient and constructive helicopter, capable of reincarnation.