Jump to content

Eurocopter EC145

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

EC145
H145
A EC145 from the Stanford Medical Center
General information
TypeLight utility helicopter
National originMultinational
ManufacturerEurocopter / Kawasaki Aerospace Company
Airbus Helicopters
StatusIn service
Number built1,600 (June 2023)[1]
History
Manufactured1999–present
Introduction date2002
First flight12 June 1999
Developed fromMBB/Kawasaki BK 117
VariantsEurocopter UH-72 Lakota

The Airbus Helicopters H145 (formerly Eurocopter EC145) is a twin-engine light utility helicopter developed and manufactured by Airbus Helicopters. Originally designated as the BK 117, the H145 is based upon the MBB/Kawasaki BK 117 C1, which became a part of the combined Eurocopter line-up in 1992 with the merger of Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm's helicopter division of Daimler-Benz into Eurocopter. The helicopter was initially named EC145; an updated version, EC145 T2, was renamed H145 in 2015. The helicopter was significantly updated in the 2020s with first a fenestron replacing the traditional tail rotor, followed later by a 5-blade main rotor head.

The H145 is a twin-engine aircraft and can carry up to nine passengers along with two crew, depending on customer configuration. The helicopter is marketed for passenger transport, corporate transport, emergency medical services (EMS), search and rescue, parapublic and utility roles.

Military variants of the helicopter have also been produced under various designations, such as H145M or UH-72, and have been used for training, logistics, medical evacuation, reconnaissance, light attack, and troop-transport operations. Noted military users in terms of numbers include the United States which operates nearly 500 with National Guard, and Germany where it is used for SAR, Special Operations, and more.

Development

[edit]

Origins

[edit]
French Gendarmerie EC145, 2009
The initial version with traditional tail rotor

The EC145 was a joint development between Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm, subsequently Eurocopter and Kawasaki Heavy Industries on the basis of their successful prior jointly produced BK 117 C1. Rather than pursuing an entirely clean sheet design, the forward cockpit and modern avionics of Eurocopter's EC 135 were adopted in combination with the proven BK 117's rear section; Flight International described the new helicopter, originally designed as BK 117 C2, as being "90% a combination of these two aircraft [The EC135 and BK 117 C1]".[2] However, there were significant areas of redesign, advantages held by the EC145 over its predecessor include possessing a greater range and payload capacity, a considerably increased and uninterrupted cabin area, reduced vibration and noise emissions, and measures to simplify maintenance and minimise operational costs.[3] The noise signature of the EC145 is reportedly 60% lower than that of the BK 117 C1.[4]

The new model was type-certificated as the BK 117 C2; in December 1997, it was selected by the French Defense and Civil Guard for air rescue mission, 31 EC145s were ordered to replace their fleet of ageing Aérospatiale Alouette III in a deal costing $170 million.[5][6] The first EC145 completed its maiden flight at Donauwörth, Germany, on 12 June 1999; Eurocopter conducted a major publicity event for the emerging type at the US Helicopter Association International Show in February 2000.[7] Safety certification of the EC145 was awarded by the German Luftfahrt-Bundesamt[8] and Japanese Civil Aviation Bureau[citation needed] in December 2000; and by the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in January 2002.[9]

Eurocopter and Kawasaki have an agreement to independently manufacture and market the rotorcraft, while working collaboratively on development and upgrades. Eurocopter has a 60% production workshare, which includes the main and tail rotors, intermediate and tail gearboxes, control systems, cockpit and tail structure, and landing gear; Kawasaki has a 40% workshare, comprising the fuselage structure, main transmission, electrical and fuel systems.[10] Kawasaki uses the designation BK 117 C2 for the type and sells/produces the aircraft in the Asian market; Eurocopter sells the type globally under the EC145 designation. In November 2004, with the termination of production of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries' MH2000, the BK 117 C2 became the only civil helicopter in production in Japan.[11] In August 2010, it was announced that the partnership between Eurocopter and Kawasaki on the development and production of the EC145 had been extended until at least 2025.[12]

Further development

[edit]
EC145 T2 with fenestron
Internal view of an EC145's cabin
Fisheye view from cabin of a military version in flight

In 2011, Eurocopter launched an upgraded EC145 model, designated EC145 T2, unveiling the new type at Heli Expo 2011. The EC145 T2 is designed to significantly increase the aircraft's performance, featuring new Arriel 2E turboshaft engines, dual-digital Full Authority Digital Engine Controls (FADEC), Eurocopter's Fenestron shrouded tail rotor design, and upgraded tail and main rotor gear boxes. Considerable differences and improvements were introduced to the cockpit and aircraft subsystems, including the adoption of increasingly digital avionics and a fully modular approach to these systems; amongst the biggest changes is a sophisticated 4-axis autopilot.[13] In April 2014, airworthiness certification from the European Aviation Safety Agency for the EC145 T2 was received, FAA certification followed in October 2014.[14]

The primary manufacturing facility for the EC145 is located at Donauwörth in Germany, which is Eurocopter's second-largest site after Marignane in France.[15] In 2014, Airbus Helicopters announced that 50 EC145 T2s would be manufactured in 2015; the production was expected to eventually rise to 70 helicopters per year.[16]

Since 2011, Eurocopter has been developing an optionally piloted vehicle (OPV) variant of the EC145. Test flights of the EC145 OPV, including unmanned flights, began in 2013. The system, designed to plug into the EC145's existing avionics, is capable of autonomous operation or alternatively being controlled by human operators either via the cockpit or from a ground control station. The technology, which is reported to be compatible with a number of Eurocopter's range of helicopters, is intended for both civil and military applications.[17] In an emergency situation, such as systems failure, the EC145 OPV is programmed to enter into an automated hover-to-land procedure to safely land the aircraft.[18] In March 2015, Airbus Helicopter's Chief Technical Officer Jean-Brice Dumont stated that there were no firm plans for the EC145 OPV to proceed to production, but investment in the project was continuing.[19]

In July 2014, Airbus Helicopter launched the EC145e, a lightened and lower cost version of the standard EC145, achieved by the removal of some avionics for autopilot and single-pilot IFR functions. Intended as a basic model for tasks such as aerial firefighting and utility work, it has been also viewed as a replacement for aging MBB Bo 105 rotorcraft.[20][21] In April 2015, the EASA issued its certification for the EC145e. In 2015, Metro Aviation entered into an arrangement with Airbus Helicopters to offer various mission-specific customisations for the EC145e and operate as a reseller for the variant.[20] In 2015, the EC145 was rebranded as the H145 by Airbus Helicopters.

In March 2019, Airbus Helicopters announced that it was developing, in cooperation with Japanese manufacturer Kawasaki, an upgraded model of the H145. Chiefly amongst its new features were a new bearingless five-bladed main rotor that incorporates the Blue Edge rotor blade, the testing of which had commenced in April 2018. Furthermore, such changes are able to be retrofitted to existing H145s. The upgrade reportedly increases payload capacity by 150 kg (330 lb) and will be able to be retrofitted to existing H145s. EASA certification is expected in the first quarter of 2020.[22][23]

Production

[edit]

Over 1600 of the H145 family had been produced by June 2023.[1]

Design

[edit]
Civilian Airbus Helicopter H145
EC145 with 4-blade main rotor
H145 on delivery to Germany for SAR
Side/rear view showing engine exhaust port of C-2 version

The EC145 features a larger cabin space than the older BK 117 C1 helicopter with internal space increased by 46 cm (18 in) in length and 13 cm (5 in) in width, increasing cabin volume by 1.0 m3 (35 cu ft) to 6.0 m3 (210 cu ft). Other improvements over the BK 117 include an increased maximum take-off weight and greater range, achieved partially by the adoption of composite rotor blades, which were derived from the smaller EC135. The EC145 has a hingeless rotor system with a monolithic titanium hub; the helicopter was originally powered by a pair of Turboméca Arriel 1E2 turboshaft engines, later aircraft are powered by the upgraded Turboméca Arriel 2E engine.[24] A key feature of the rotorcraft is the variable rotorspeed and torque matching system (VARTOMS), derived from the BK 117, which Eurocopter has attributed as making the EC145 "the quietest helicopter in its class".[25]

The EC145 is fitted with an all-glass cockpit, consists of a Thales Avionics MEGHAS Flight Control Display System with active matrix liquid crystal displays (LCDs); it can be piloted by either one or two pilots.[26] A number of systems are independently redundant, including the autopilot system, hydraulic boost, transmission lubrication, and some of the onboard sensors.[26] The EC145 T2 features additional and newer avionics systems, such as a full 4-axis autopilot and dual-channel Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC); three large LCD primary displays were also introduced to control these systems.[13] The type is fully capable of Category A operations;[24] in November 2008, an EC145 performed the first medical transport flights under instrument flight rules (IFR) in Europe; the type is able to fly entirely under GPS navigation from takeoff to final approach when required.[27] The EC145 is also the first civil helicopter to be fitted with night vision-compatible cockpit instrumentation and lighting straight off the production line.[28][29]

Typical cabin arrangements allows for eight passengers in a club seating configuration, or nine passengers in a high density seating configuration, passenger seating is designed for quick rearrangement based upon current demands.[26] The cabin can be accessed either through sliding doors in either side of the aircraft or via large clamshell doors at the rear of the cabin; in combination with the high mounted tail boom, the clamshell doors are designed to provide safe clearance for loading and unloading activities even while the rotors are turning. In an EMS/casualty evacuation arrangement, the EC145 can carry up to two stretchered patients with three accompanying medical staff.[26] The helicopter can be fitted with emergency floats, rescue hoist, search light, load hook and specialist equipment for other operational requirements. The EC145e, a utility variant, has a deliberately standardised interior for the purpose of minimising overall weight.[30]

A VIP variant the Stylence was launched in 2008 for corporate and private helicopter operators which has various aesthetic and technology changes from the baseline model to provide a higher level of passenger comfort. The Stylence features a luxury interior with a variety of seating configurations, leather seats, carbon fibre inserts, carpet, optional sliding wall in rear of the cabin and optional console with cold box.[31][32][33] In 2011, Eurocopter launched the high-end Mercedes-Benz Style VIP variant developed in association with the Mercedes-Benz Advanced Design Division.[34][35] The Mercedes-Benz Style features several seating configurations for between four and eight passengers with the option of up to three multipurpose cabinets via switchable rail-mountings, three trim and upholstery levels with wooden panelling, advanced in-flight entertainment system and adjustable ambient lighting.[36][37][35][38] The seats can be removed to create space for luggage with anchoring options on the floor and walls.[35] The Mercedes-Benz Style also features external changes including a reshaped forward section and modified landing skids.[37][39][38] In 2017, Airbus Helicopters launched the Airbus Corporate Helicopters (ACH) brand for corporate variants with two product lines for the H145 assigned the marketing name ACH145: the ACH145 Line, formerly the Stylence, and the ACH145 Editions product line, which retained the Mercedes-Benz Style name.[40][41][42]

Operational history

[edit]
Open clamshell doors of an EC145

The French Sécurité Civile (Civil Guard), French Gendarmerie and the Landespolizei (State Police) of Hesse, Germany became the first operators of the EC145 upon receipt of the initial deliveries in April 2002.[43] The Sécurité Civile procured the type as a replacement for its aging Aérospatiale Alouette III fleet, winning out against the Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin. In November 2006, the Sécurité Civile were planning to make greater use of the EC145's IFR capabilities for operations within bad weather and at night time.[29] In 2008, the Gendarmerie reportedly stated that the EC145 has a per aircraft availability rate of roughly 90 percent.[44] Out of a total of 32 EC145s delivered to the Sécurité Civile, three had been lost in accidents by June 2009.[45][46]

In October 2010, an agreement to establish a joint venture between Eurocopter and Kazakhstan Engineering, Eurocopter Kazakhstan Engineering, was formally signed; the joint venture created the only EC145 manufacturer in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), which possesses exclusive rights to supply the type to Mongolia, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Belarus, and Azerbaijan.[47][48] In November 2011, Kazakhstan took delivery of the first of an initial batch of six EC145 ordered.[49] In September 2012, Eurocopter Kazakhstan received its first EC145 assembly kits at its newly established facility in Astana; up to 10 EC145s per year are to be built at the facility.[50] By November 2015, a total of 20 rotorcraft had been produced at the Kazakhstan facility, 14 for the Ministry of Emergencies of Kazakhstan and 6 for the Ministry of Defense of Kazakhstan.[48]

In April 2012, Eurocopter announced that the 500th EC145 had been delivered.[43] On 31 July 2014, the first EC145 T2, an updated variant, was delivered to its launch customer, DRF Luftrettung, who have ordered a total of 20 such helicopters for emergency medical service operations.[16]

In April 2015, Airbus Group Australia Pacific delivered its first H145, previously designated as the EC145 T2.[51] In June 2015, it was announced that Saudi Arabia intended to purchase 23 H145s worth $500 million.[52] In November 2015, it was reported that the H145 had attained an average availability rate of 94%.[53]

On 25 September 2019 an Airbus H145 landed on the summit of Aconcagua, highest mountain in Southern Hemisphere at 6962 metres (22,840 ft), crewed by Airbus experimental test pilot Alexander Neuhaus and flight test engineer Antoine van Gent. This is a record for a twin-engined helicopter.[54][55]

Military

[edit]
German military version of the H145 for special operations (KSK)
Airbus UH-72A on display at the ILA 2022 Air Show

In 2006, the UH-145, a military variant of the EC145, was selected for the United States Army's Light Utility Helicopter Program, beating three other helicopters. The deal, valued at $3 billion, involved the supply and servicing of 345 helicopters, with options for additional aircraft.[56] The variant was designated UH-72 Lakota by the US Department of Defense; the first UH-72A was delivered to the US Army in December 2006.[57] In August 2007, the FAA authorised the commencement of production of both UH-72A and civil EC145 rotorcraft at American Eurocopter's facility in Columbus, Mississippi.[58]

In July 2013, Germany purchased 15 EC145s for the German Army to be used for special operations (KSK) designated EC645 T2.[59] The EC645 T2 is armed with weapon mounts, fitted with electronic countermeasures system, ballistic protection, electro-optical system, fast rope system, cargo hooks and hoists.[59] In October 2014, Thailand placed an order for 5 EC645 T2s for the Royal Thai Navy.[60][61] On 27 November 2014, the maiden flight of the EC645 T2 was performed at Donauwörth, Germany.[62] On 15 May 2015, the H145M, previously designated as EC645 T2, received EASA airworthiness certification.[63] The first two H145Ms were received by Germany and assigned to the Air Force in December 2015.[64]

In December 2016, Serbia placed an order for 9 H145Ms with 6 for the Serbian Air Force and Air Defence, four of the six to be equipped with the HForce weapon system, and 3 for the Police of Serbia.[65][66] In November 2018, Serbia changed the distribution of the H145Ms; the Police to receive an additional H145M and the Serbian Air Force and Air Defence to receive one less H145M with three equipped with HForce.[67][68] In November 2017, Airbus completed the first test fire of the HForce modular weapon system.[69] HForce will enable the H145M hardpoints to be armed with the M3P .50-caliber machine gun, M621 20mm automatic cannon and FZ231 70mm rocket launcher and will equip the H145M with a Wescam MX-15 electro-optical targeting system and Scorpion helmet mounted sight display.[69][70] In December 2017, Airbus successfully launched FZ275 70mm semi-active laser guided rockets.[71]

In June 2018, an order was placed for 20 H145Ms by Hungary for the Hungarian Air Force equipped with HForce weapon system.[72] All delivered by the end of 2021.[73] First live firing exercise was held in September 2021 using 20 mm cannon pods.[74]

In July 2018, an order was placed by Luxembourg for 2 H145Ms for the Luxembourg Army that will be dual role for use by the Luxembourg Police.[75]

In August 2021, the German Air Force deployed two H145Ms to Hamid Karzai International Airport to assist in evacuation operations in the aftermath of the fall of Kabul.[76]

On 24 February 2023, Belgian newspaper, De Morgen, has noted that the Belgian Air Component has selected the H145M as its new light utility helicopter. A government approval for an order for 15 aircraft is expected to be finalized on March 10, 2023, during a defence commission meeting.[77] these will replace the 4 NH90-TTH and the last remaining Agusta A109BAi's in BAF service.

Variants

[edit]
An H145 (EC145 T2)
EC145
Basic model introduced, derived from preceding BK 117 C-1; this variant is powered by Turbomeca Arriel 1E2 turboshaft engines and has a conventional high boom tail rotor.[25] EC145 is a marketing name for the BK 117 C-2.
Further information: MBB/Kawasaki BK 117
ACH145
Corporate model by Airbus Corporate Helicopters offered in two product lines: the ACH Line, formerly the Stylence, and the Mercedes-Benz Style, part of the ACH Editions product line. The ACH145 interior options include seating configurations, upholstery, trim, lighting, carpet and storage. The Mercedes-Benz Style airframe has a redesigned nose and modified skids.[78][40]
EC145e
Variant of the base EC145 for utility purposes, featuring new Garmin G500H digital cockpit and the removal of some elements such as the automatic flight control system, along with the adoption of a standardised interior, for weight reduction purposes.[30] EC145e is a marketing name for the BK 117 C-2e.
HB-ZQJ (H 145) used by Rega
H145
Updated version of EC145, initially designated as EC145 T2. Features a fenestron shrouded tail rotor rather than a conventional tail rotor. Other changes include the installation of more powerful (775 kilowatts (1,039 shp) Arriel 2E engines, and various new avionics; it has a maximum takeoff weight of 3700 kg.[51][79] In 2019 Airbus Helicopters announced a new variant of the type with a newly designed 5-blade bearingless main rotor system, increasing useful load by 150 kg and max takeoff weight to 3800 kg; it achieved EASA certification in June 2020. Airbus expects to deliver the last production H145 with the standard 4-blade rotor in February 2021, after which the production line will only assemble the new 5-blade type; the 4-bladed H145s already in service can also be retrofitted to the new 5-blade standard. H145 is a marketing name for both the BK 117 D-2 (4-blade main rotor variant) and BK 117 D-3 (5-blade main rotor variant).[80][81]
ACH145 D-3 with 5-blade main rotor system
H145 D3
Updated Version of the H145 with 5-blade main rotor. In comparison to the D-2, the effective loading weight of the D-3 is increased by 150 kg due to a 100 kg increase in the maximum total weight and a 50 kg decrease in the aircraft weight.
H145M
Militarized version of the H145; briefly designated as EC645 T2. It can be outfitted with ballistic protection, self-sealing fuel tanks, electro optical/infrared sensor, retractable pintle-mounted 7.62mm FN MAG machine guns or M134 miniguns, military-grade communications and navigational systems and an electronic warfare self-protection system.[62][63] The H145M's HForce weapon system can precisely aim 12,7 mm and 20 mm gun pods and 70 mm guided and unguided rockets.[71] Anti-armor capability will be provided by integrating SPIKE ER2 missile to the helicopter's armament.[82]
UH-72A Lakota
A militarised Light Utility Helicopter based on the basic EC145 model; operated by the US Army.
UH-72B
The UH-72B includes many upgrades of the updated H145, such as an upgraded cockpit, 5 blade rotor, and fenestron.
UH-72B Unmanned Logistics Connector
A proposed unmanned variant of the UH-72B for the United States Marine Corps and United States Army. It would provide autonomous logistical support for Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations for the USMC and contested airspace for the Army.[83] If the USMC selects it, it could be fielded by the late 2020s.[84]
AAS-72X
An armed scout and multi-role version of the UH-72A offered in the US Army's Armed Aerial Scout OH-58D replacement program, offered by EADS and Lockheed Martin until AAS was cancelled. The AAS-72X had two external hardpoints and turret mounted visions system among other features, and was C-17 transportable[85]
AAS-72X+
An armed military version of the Eurocopter EC145T2 was also proposed for the Armed Aerial Scout program building on the features of the X model.[85] However, the X+ was equipped with more powerful engines with an extra 200 shaft horsepower each, a fenestron shrouded tail rotor, and a fully digital glass cockpit.[86][87]
Jupiter HT.1 at the Royal International Air Tattoo in 2023
Jupiter HT.1
Used by UK Armed Forces to train search and rescue pilots.
Jupiter HC.2
Ordered by the Royal Air Force to use as utility and rescue helicopter in Brunei and Cyprus.[88][89]

Operators

[edit]
Countries that operate the H145 worldwide.
An EC145 in service with STAT Medevac
An EC145 in service with Bolivian Air Force in South America.

By 2017, more than 1300 EC145s were in service around the world.[90] In 2012 was reported as in use by 34 countries and around 100 customers.[91][92] By 2023 this had risen to 1600.[1] In 2024 the Airbus site listed nearly 1700 of this family produced, including the early BK 117.[93]

Military

[edit]
 Albania
 Belgium
 Bolivia
 Brunei
 Cayman Islands
 Cyprus
 Ecuador
 France
 Germany
 Hungary
 Kazakhstan
 Luxembourg
A H145M of the German Air Force for special forces operations
 Serbia
 Thailand
 United Kingdom
UH-72B of the U.S. National Guard
 United States

Civilian and government

[edit]
 Australia
 Belgium
H145 NHV
Ostend - EBNH

[116]

 Brazil
 Canada
 Cayman Islands
 France
 Georgia
A EC145 of the Hesse State Police
 Germany
 Israel
Lithuanian State Border Guard EC145
 Lithuania
 Morocco
 Namibia
 Netherlands
 New Zealand
 Norway
 Peru
A H145 of the Philippine Coast Guard
 Philippines
 Saudi Arabia
 Spain
 Switzerland
 Serbia
 Ukraine
 United Kingdom
 United States

Accidents

[edit]

As of August 2024 the EC145 has been involved in 67 incidents with 49 fatalities.[168]

Specifications (EC145 C-2)

[edit]
The original tail rotor design used on the earlier EC145's. Now replaced with a Fenestron.

Data from Eurocopter EC145 technical data,[169] EC 145 specs[170]

General characteristics

  • Crew: 2
  • Capacity: 9 pax / 1,793 kg (3,953 lb) payload
  • Length: 13.03 m (42 ft 9 in)
  • Height: 3.45 m (11 ft 4 in)
  • Empty weight: 1,792 kg (3,951 lb)
  • Gross weight: 3,585 kg (7,904 lb)
  • Fuel capacity: 723.0 kg (1,593.9 lb)
  • Powerplant: 2 × Turbomeca Arriel 1E2 turboshaft engines, 550 kW (740 hp) each for take-off
  • Main rotor diameter: 11 m (36 ft 1 in)
  • Main rotor area: 95 m2 (1,020 sq ft) root: NACA 23012; tip: NACA 23010[171]

Performance

  • Cruise speed: 246 km/h (153 mph, 133 kn)
  • Never exceed speed: 268 km/h (167 mph, 145 kn)
  • Range: 680 km (420 mi, 370 nmi)
  • Ferry range: 855 km (531 mi, 462 nmi)
  • Service ceiling: 5,240 m (17,190 ft)
  • Rate of climb: 8.1 m/s (1,590 ft/min)

See also

[edit]

Related development

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

Related lists

References

[edit]

Citations

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c Rotorcraft, Mark Huber • Contributor-. "Airbus H145 a Popular Choice for European Air Ambulances | AIN". Aviation International News. Retrieved 3 May 2024. {{cite web}}: |first= has generic name (help)
  2. ^ Gray 2002, p. 30
  3. ^ Gray 2002, p. 30-31.
  4. ^ Wagstaff, Bill. "EC 145 bows in quietly." Archived 17 November 2015 at the Wayback Machine AIN Online, 21 May 2008.
  5. ^ "1979: BK 117." Archived 21 September 2013 at the Wayback Machine Eurocopter, Retrieved: 31 March 2013.
  6. ^ Gray 2002, p. 31.
  7. ^ "Eurocopter/Kawasaki fly EC145." Flight International, July 1999, p. 22.
  8. ^ "Type Certificate Data Sheet No. EASA.R.0" (PDF). European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). 19 June 2020. Archived from the original (PDF) on 18 January 2021. Retrieved 6 April 2021.
  9. ^ "Type Certificate Data Sheet No. H13E" (PDF). Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). 25 November 2020. Retrieved 6 April 2021.
  10. ^ "A Marriage that Lasted." Flight International, p. 30. 31 May 2004.
  11. ^ "Low level of interest forces Mitsubishi to halt sales of MH2000." Flight International, November 2004, p. 23.
  12. ^ Sarsfield, Kate. "Eurocopter and Kawasaki extend EC145 partnership." Flight International, 2 August 2010.
  13. ^ a b "Eurocopter expands its product line with the EC-145T2 helicopter." Avio News, 7 April 2011.
  14. ^ Johnson, Oliver. "FAA certifies Airbus Helicopters EC145 T2." Vertical, 15 October 2014.
  15. ^ Gubisch, Michael. "IN FOCUS: Eurocopter steps up Donauwörth site." Flight International, 31 August 2012.
  16. ^ a b Perry, Dominic. "First Airbus Helicopters EC145 T2 handed to launch customer". Flight International, 1 August 2014.
  17. ^ Perry, Dominic. "Eurocopter demonstrates unmanned EC145." Flight International, 25 April 2013.
  18. ^ Osbourne, Anthony. "Eurocopter Tests Optionally Piloted Capability On EC145." Archived 19 May 2013 at the Wayback Machine Aviation Week, 25 April 2013.
  19. ^ Drwiega, Andrew. "Airbus Helicopters Endures Challenging Year of Change and Integration." Archived 17 November 2015 at the Wayback Machine Rotor & Wing, 10 March 2015.
  20. ^ a b Maher, Guy R. "When Less is More." Vertical, 29 October 2015.
  21. ^ Perry, Dominic. "Airbus Helicopters launches reduced weight EC145." Flight International, 31 July 2014.
  22. ^ New H145 with five-bladed rotor (Television production). Airbus Helicopters. 7 March 2019. Archived from the original on 21 December 2021. Retrieved 27 June 2019.
  23. ^ Johnson, Oliver (4 March 2019). "Airbus Helicopters launches 5-bladed H145 upgrade". Vertical. Retrieved 26 June 2019.
  24. ^ a b Technology, Eurocopter, archived from the original on 4 July 2013, retrieved 31 March 2013
  25. ^ a b "Advanced Technology and Design." Archived 25 April 2013 at the Wayback Machine Eurocopter, Retrieved: 31 March 2013.
  26. ^ a b c d Bower, Ron. "Flying The EC145." Archived 12 August 2011 at the Wayback Machine Rotor & Wing, 1 April 2006.
  27. ^ "Eurocopter Teams With French Authorities To Test New Medevac Route." Aero News Network, 28 November 2008.
  28. ^ "Rotorcraft Report: Eurocopter Gets NVG Nod for EC145." Archived 4 September 2011 at the Wayback Machine Aviation Today, 1 August 2007.
  29. ^ a b Dubois, Thierry. "European medical operators give the EC 145 high marks." Archived 17 November 2015 at the Wayback Machine AIN Online, 30 October 2006.
  30. ^ a b Perry, Dominic. "EASA grants approval to EC145 utility helicopter." Flight International, 23 April 2015.
  31. ^ "Eurocopter presents the first EC145 Stylence at EBACE 2009". Eurocopter (Press release). 13 May 2009. Archived from the original on 17 June 2009.
  32. ^ "EC145 Stylence" (PDF). Airbus Helicopters. Archived from the original (PDF) on 21 September 2018. Retrieved 15 October 2019.
  33. ^ Marchand, Alexandre (January–February 2008). "Eurocopter's offer". Rotor Journal. No. 74. Eurocopter. ISSN 1169-9515. Archived from the original on 18 October 2018. Retrieved 16 October 2019.
  34. ^ "Eurocopter unveils the first EC145 Mercedes-Benz Style high-end, multi-purpose helicopter at 2011 EBACE show in Geneva". Eurocopter (Press release). 17 May 2011. Archived from the original on 21 December 2011.
  35. ^ a b c "Unveiling of first "Mercedes-Benz Style" product in Geneva: EC145 "Mercedes-Benz Style" helicopter from Eurocopter makes its world premiere". Daimler AG (Press release). 17 May 2011. Retrieved 16 October 2019.
  36. ^ "EC145 Mercedes-Benz Style" (PDF). Airbus Helicopters. Archived from the original (PDF) on 14 February 2019. Retrieved 16 October 2019.
  37. ^ a b Dubois, Thierry (27 June 2011). "EC145 Mercedes-Benz Style unleashed on dormant segment". AINonline. Retrieved 16 October 2019.
  38. ^ a b Grady, Mary (23 March 2014). "Airbus EC145 Mercedes-Benz Style Helicopter Makes U.S. Debut". Robb Report. Retrieved 16 October 2019.
  39. ^ Dubois, Thierry (4 May 2010). "EC145 not just a helo, it's a Mercedes-Benz". AINonline. Retrieved 16 October 2019.
  40. ^ a b "Airbus Launches ACH – Airbus Corporate Helicopters: the Dedicated Private and Business Aviation Helicopter Brand". Airbus Helicopters (Press release). 22 May 2017. Retrieved 12 October 2019.
  41. ^ "Airbus Helicopters delivers the world's first ACH145 Line to a Brazilian customer". Airbus (Press release). 25 October 2018. Retrieved 16 October 2019.
  42. ^ Slutsken, Howard (11 October 2019). "High flyers: The OEMs' perspectives on the VIP market". Vertical Magazine. MHM Publishing. Retrieved 16 October 2019.
  43. ^ a b "EC145 500th of Eurocopter Ultimate" YouTube, 27 April 2012.
  44. ^ Briganti, Giovanni de. "Aircraft Operations: Taking the EC145 to New Heights." Archived 22 June 2015 at the Wayback Machine Aviation Today, 1 March 2008.
  45. ^ "Accidents & Incidents." Police Aviation News.
  46. ^ Dubois, Thierry. "French rescue org suffers third fatal EC 145 crash."[permanent dead link‍] AIN Online, 3 June 2009.
  47. ^ "Eurocopter Kazakhstan Engineering plans to launch a maintenance center for EC145 helicopters in Mongolia." Tengri News, 10 September 2012.
  48. ^ a b "Kazakhstan strengthens relations with Airbus Group." Azernews, 3 November 2015.
  49. ^ "Kazakhstan receives first EC145." UPI, 29 November 2011.
  50. ^ Francis, Leithen. "Eurocopter's Kazakhstan JV Receives First EC145 Kits." Aviation Week, 25 September 2012.
  51. ^ a b "Airbus delivers first H145 into this region." Vertical Magazine, 12 April 2015.
  52. ^ Binnie, Jeremy. "France says Saudi Arabia to order H145 helicopters." IHS Jane's Defence Weekly, 24 June 2015.
  53. ^ "Airbus H145 fleet accumulates 10,000 flight hours." Vertical Magazine, 4 November 2015.
  54. ^ "Airbus web-site". Retrieved 8 November 2019.
  55. ^ "Pilot Magazine". Archived from the original on 6 December 2022. Retrieved 8 November 2019.
  56. ^ "UH-72 Light Helicopter Win Lands Eurocopter in US Defense Market." Defense Industry Daily. Retrieved: 31 March 2013.
  57. ^ Sims, Paul. "Ready for flight. Eurocopter delivers first UH-72A to U.S. Army as world's media watches." [permanent dead link‍] Starkville Daily News, 12 December 2006.
  58. ^ "American Eurocopter Receives FAA Production Authority for U.S. Army UH-72A Lakota and EC145 Commercial Helicopters." Business Wire, 29 October 2007.
  59. ^ a b "Germany's Special Forces Command Set to Fly Eurocopter's EC645 T2 Light Utility Helicopter". Airbus (Press release). 11 July 2013. Archived from the original on 9 October 2018. Retrieved 9 October 2018.
  60. ^ "The Royal Thai Navy and Air Force acquire five EC645 T2 and two EC725 rotorcraft from Airbus Helicopters". Airbus Helicopters (Press release). 22 October 2014. Archived from the original on 27 October 2014.
  61. ^ a b "Airbus Helicopters hands over first two H145M to Royal Thai Navy". Airbus (Press release). 28 April 2016. Retrieved 7 October 2018.
  62. ^ a b "Successful First Flight of Airbus Helicopters' EC645 T2". Airbus (Press release). 27 November 2014. Retrieved 9 October 2018.[permanent dead link‍]
  63. ^ a b "Ready to serve: Airbus Helicopters' militarized H145M receives its on-time EASA certification". Airbus (Press release). 5 May 2015. Retrieved 9 October 2018.
  64. ^ "Airbus Helicopters delivers the first two H145M to the German Armed Forces". Airbus (Press release). 7 December 2015. Retrieved 9 October 2018.
  65. ^ "Republic of Serbia Orders Nine H145M". Airbus. 28 December 2016. Retrieved 7 October 2018.
  66. ^ Bozinovski, Igor (4 January 2017). "Serbia buys nine H145M helicopters from Airbus". janes.com. IHS Jane's Defence Weekly. Archived from the original on 21 June 2017.
  67. ^ a b Vojinovic, Petar (21 December 2018). "[FOTO] Zvanična primopredaja juče u Nemačkoj: Helikopterska jedinica policije Srbije dobila svoja prva dva helikoptera H145M". Tango Six (in Serbian). Retrieved 26 June 2019.
  68. ^ Dakic, M (14 June 2019). "SRBIJA DOBILA NOVE "ERBAS" HELIKOPTERE! Flota srpske vojske i policije moćnija nego ikad". Informer.rs (in Serbian). Retrieved 26 June 2019.
  69. ^ a b "Airbus Helicopters completes first firing campaign with HForce-equipped H145M". Airbus (Press release). 9 November 2017. Retrieved 10 October 2018.
  70. ^ Perry, Dominic (30 July 2018). "Airbus Helicopters on target with HForce sales". Flightglobal. Archived from the original on 31 July 2018.
  71. ^ a b "H145M successfully launched 70mm Laser Guided Rockets during its firing campaign in Sweden". Airbus (Press release). 31 January 2018. Retrieved 10 October 2018.
  72. ^ "Hungary orders 20 H145Ms". Airbus (Press release). 29 June 2018. Retrieved 7 October 2018.
  73. ^ "(in Hungarian) Teljes a flotta – a Magyar Honvédség átvette a huszadik új forgószárnyast". 2 December 2021. Archived from the original on 11 December 2021. Retrieved 4 January 2022.
  74. ^ "(in Hungarian) A lőtéren is bizonyítottak az Airbusok". 24 September 2021.
  75. ^ a b "Luxembourg Defence orders two H145Ms". Airbus (Press release). 27 July 2018. Retrieved 7 October 2018.
  76. ^ Bundesministerium der Verteidigung [@BMVg_Bundeswehr] (20 August 2021). "Wir erweitern unsere Operation in #Afghanistan. Darüber haben wir gerade den Deutschen Bundestag informiert. Noch heute werden 2 Hubschrauber des Typs H-145M nach #Kabul verlegen. Dadurch sollen zu Schützende von ihrem Aufenthaltsort in Kabul auf den Flughafen gebracht werden" (Tweet) (in German). Retrieved 20 August 2021 – via Twitter.
  77. ^ "Daar komt de H145M aangevlogen: De nieuwe helikopter van het Belgisch leger". 24 February 2023.
  78. ^ "Airbus Corporate Helicopters". Airbus Corporate Helicopters. Retrieved 8 October 2019.
  79. ^ Broadbent 2012, pp. 67–68.
  80. ^ "Five-bladed H145 receives type certification by EASA". Airbus. Retrieved 2 February 2021.
  81. ^ "Airbus Helicopters launches 5-bladed H145 upgrade". Vertical Mag. 4 March 2019. Retrieved 2 February 2021.
  82. ^ "Airbus lines up H145M Spike ER2 live fire tests".
  83. ^ "UH-72B Unmanned Logistics Connector". Airbus.
  84. ^ "Airbus UH-72B Unmanned Logistics Connector for USMC" (video). youtube.com. Naval News. 20 April 2024.
  85. ^ a b "Armed Aerial Scout 72X (AAS-72X) Helicopter". Army Technology. Retrieved 9 May 2024.
  86. ^ "Scout Helicopter Competitors to Army: It’s Time for a Flyoff". Nationaldefensemagazine.com, December 2012
  87. ^ "EADS urges US Army to buy new scout helicopter" Archived 23 October 2012 at the Wayback Machine. Flight International
  88. ^ a b c "UK to acquire H145 helicopters for Cyprus, Brunei missions". 14 November 2023.
  89. ^ a b c "UK MoD to buy six H145s in fresh blow to NMH plans".
  90. ^ "News & Events". Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. Retrieved 8 May 2024.
  91. ^ "H145". Airbus. Archived from the original on 10 February 2019. Retrieved 12 December 2019.
  92. ^ "Eurocopter Delivers the First EC145 to the Bolivian Air Force". AIrbus Helicopters (Press release). 25 September 2012. Archived from the original on 12 October 2019. Retrieved 12 October 2019. (Dead link)
  93. ^ "H145 Technical Information | Airbus U.S." us.airbus.com. 31 August 2021. Retrieved 8 May 2024.
  94. ^ a b "World Air Forces 2019". Flightglobal Insight. 2019. Retrieved 12 March 2019.
  95. ^ a b "Belgium chooses Airbus H145M for Armed Forces and Federal Police | Airbus". www.airbus.com. 17 June 2024. Retrieved 19 October 2024.
  96. ^ "World Air Forces 2021". FlightGlobal. 4 December 2020. Retrieved 5 January 2021.
  97. ^ "Brunei orders six H145M helicopters | Airbus". 2 May 2024.
  98. ^ "High-tech eye in the sky: Cayman chopper among most advanced in the region". 7 June 2021.
  99. ^ "Cyprus signs deal for Airbus attack helicopters". abcnews.go.com. Retrieved 27 June 2022.
  100. ^ Broadbent, Mark (December 2020). "Rotary Focus". Air International. Vol. 99, no. 6. p. 17. ISSN 0306-5634.
  101. ^ Allport, Dave (July 2021). "Military News". Air International. Vol. 101, no. 1. p. 10. ISSN 0306-5634.
  102. ^ "French National Gendarmerie EC 145". Retrieved 10 March 2013.
  103. ^ "Airbus Helicopters and German Armed Forces sign largest H145M contract | Airbus". www.airbus.com. 13 December 2023. Retrieved 19 October 2024.
  104. ^ "Airbus Helicopters and German Armed Forces sign largest H145M contract | Airbus". www.airbus.com. 13 December 2023. Retrieved 19 October 2024.
  105. ^ "Airbus Helicopters and German Armed Forces sign largest H145M contract | Airbus". www.airbus.com. 13 December 2023. Retrieved 19 October 2024.
  106. ^ "Teljes a flotta – a magyar honvédség átvette a huszadik új forgószárnyast" (in Hungarian). honvedelem. 1 December 2021. Archived from the original on 11 December 2021. Retrieved 21 April 2022.
  107. ^ "A Hungarian helicopter crashes during training in Croatia, killing at least 2 people". Washington Post. 21 June 2023. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved 23 June 2023.
  108. ^ "Le premier de deux nouveaux hélicoptères militaires est accueilli par l'Armée et la Police". LËTZEBUERGER ARMÉI, 15 November 2019.
  109. ^ "Serbian police takes delivery of fourth Airbus helicopter" Archived 13 June 2020 at the Wayback Machine. N1 Belgrade, 12 June 2020.
  110. ^ Вучић: Важно је имати снажну војску у савременом свету, 11 December 2021, archived from the original on 21 December 2021, retrieved 11 December 2021
  111. ^ Vojinovic, Petar (23 November 2023). "[POSLEDNJA VEST] Na Batajnici prikazani helikopteri Mi-35P nabavljeni sa Kipra, kupljena 22 Talesova radara, najavljena kupovina još Erbasovih helikoptera". Tango Six (in Serbian). Retrieved 26 November 2023.
  112. ^ "The Royal Thai Army acquires six Airbus Helicopters EC145 T2". Airbus (Press release). 23 February 2015. Retrieved 7 October 2018.[permanent dead link‍]
  113. ^ Drew, James (12 November 2015). "US Army adds 12 more UH-72A Lakotas to trainer order". Flight Global. Retrieved 9 June 2024.
  114. ^ RAF Website. "AIRBUS H145 JUPITER". www.raf.mod.uk. Retrieved 25 September 2018.
  115. ^ "RFDS Fortescue Heli-Med Service EC145 helicopter two year anniversary". Royal Flying Doctor Service. 9 May 2024. Retrieved 9 June 2024.
  116. ^ https://www.nhv.be [bare URL]
  117. ^ "Bahia State Public Security receive EC145". helihub.com. 17 December 2012. Retrieved 1 March 2014.
  118. ^ "Bahia State Public Security receive EC145". helihub.com. 13 December 2010. Retrieved 1 March 2014.
  119. ^ "Bahia State Public Security receive EC145". helihub.com. Archived from the original on 2 April 2015. Retrieved 1 March 2014.
  120. ^ "O novo EC-145 da Secretaria de Saúde e do Corpo de Bombeiros de Minas". helihub.com. 7 October 2014. Retrieved 1 November 2014.
  121. ^ Pittaway, Nigel (February 2019). "H145 Mountie". Air International. Vol. 96, no. 2. p. 92. ISSN 0306-5634.
  122. ^ "STARS to buy new fleet with help from $65M in federal budget | CBC News". CBC. 20 March 2019. Retrieved 21 March 2019.
  123. ^ "New police helicopter expected to arrive in December". caymancompass.com. 30 September 2019. Retrieved 30 September 2019.
  124. ^ "Final EC145 delivered to the French Sécurité Civile". eurocopter.com. Archived from the original on 9 April 2013. Retrieved 10 March 2013.
  125. ^ "Border Police receives H145 helicopter". 1TV. Retrieved 29 March 2024.
  126. ^ "ADAC orders 14 EC145T2 and 3 EC135P2e". helihub.com. 13 September 2012. Retrieved 10 March 2013.
  127. ^ "Landespolizei EC145". Retrieved 10 March 2013.
  128. ^ "Faszination Hubschrauber". DRF Luftrettung (in German). Retrieved 2 December 2020.[permanent dead link‍]
  129. ^ "Fast and furious: The new police helicopters". israelnationalnews.com. 21 August 2017. Archived from the original on 21 August 2017. Retrieved 21 August 2017.
  130. ^ "Lithuanian Border Guard orders Eurocopter EC 135 and EC 145". eurocopter.com. Archived from the original on 10 April 2013. Retrieved 10 March 2013.
  131. ^ "Lithuanian Border Guard Eurocopter EC 145". jetphotos.net. Retrieved 10 March 2013.
  132. ^ "Moroccan Royal Gendarmerie recognized for 50 years with Eurocopter". airbushelicopters.com. Archived from the original on 26 August 2014. Retrieved 22 August 2014.
  133. ^ "Namibian Police Order EC145". Air International. Vol. 81, no. 4. October 2011. p. 34. ISSN 0306-5634.
  134. ^ ANWB - MAA Helikopters
  135. ^ "Canterbury West Coast Air Rescue (fleet)". airrescue.co.nz. Archived from the original on 30 June 2013. Retrieved 13 August 2019.
  136. ^ "Otago Rescue Helicopter Trust (fleet)". otagorescue.co.nz. Archived from the original on 30 June 2013. Retrieved 2 July 2013.
  137. ^ "Først i verden med dette helikopteret: – Dette er starten på en ny tid". Norskluftambulanse.no. October 2020.
  138. ^ "Peruvian National Police order four EC145s". Helihub.com. 15 January 2013. Retrieved 4 November 2013.
  139. ^ "Philippine Coast Guard will be getting 1–2 Eurocopters EC145 to boost search and rescue operations". Zambotimes.com. Archived from the original on 1 June 2012. Retrieved 7 June 2012.
  140. ^ "CORRECTED-France, Saudi Arabia to sign contracts worth $12 bln – Fabius". reuters.com. 24 June 2015. Retrieved 24 June 2015.
  141. ^ "Sistema de Emergencias Medicas". sem.gencat.cat. Retrieved 25 June 2020.
  142. ^ "Rega's EC-145 " HB-ZRF"". swissheli.com. Retrieved 10 March 2013.
  143. ^ Vojinovic, Petar (9 July 2019). "[EKSKLUZIVNO] Helikopterska jedinica MUP-a: Prve vazduh-vazduh fotografije srpskih Erbasova H145M". Tango Six (in Serbian). Retrieved 12 October 2019.
  144. ^ "Ministry of Emergencies of Ukraine and Eurocopter sign contract for rescue and emergency missions helicopters". Eurocopter. 17 October 2008. Archived from the original on 9 April 2013. Retrieved 10 March 2013.
  145. ^ "Ukraine signs order for the new H145". Airbus (Press release). 5 March 2019. Retrieved 26 June 2019.
  146. ^ "Our H145 Helicopters". East Anglian Air Ambulance. Retrieved 27 May 2022.
  147. ^ "New Air Ambulance Helicopters will Enhance Patient Care". scottishambulance.com. Archived from the original on 14 September 2017. Retrieved 26 June 2015.
  148. ^ "Yorkshire Air Ambulance unveils new £15m helicopters". BBC News. 21 June 2023. Retrieved 10 December 2023.
  149. ^ SemiColonWeb. "Latest News | Wales Air Ambulance". www.walesairambulance.com. Archived from the original on 1 December 2017. Retrieved 22 November 2017.
  150. ^ "Wales chooses name for new Charity Air Ambulance". Wales Air Ambulance. 7 September 2023. Retrieved 10 April 2024.
  151. ^ "How we assist police forces | National Police Air Service". www.npas.police.uk. Retrieved 10 December 2023.
  152. ^ "Eye in the Sky – PSNI's New EC145 Eurocopter officially launched". psni.police.uk. Archived from the original on 29 August 2012. Retrieved 10 March 2013.
  153. ^ "University of Utah Health Care". Archived from the original on 29 June 2013.
  154. ^ "Careflight Emergency Air Transport". www.avera.org. Retrieved 8 September 2022.
  155. ^ "LifeLine". Retrieved 30 June 2024.
  156. ^ "Life Flight®". 6 June 2019. Retrieved 3 September 2019.
  157. ^ "Stanford Health Care".
  158. ^ "Emergency Care in the Air". Retrieved 3 September 2019.
  159. ^ "PBA On Patrol – Aviation Unit". Archived from the original on 8 October 2018. Retrieved 27 November 2019.
  160. ^ "DPS to Showcase Past and Present Resources at Austin Museum Day". txdps.state.tx.us. Archived from the original on 19 November 2013. Retrieved 5 November 2013.
  161. ^ "First Police H145 in USA Goes to Las Vegas". Helis.com. Retrieved 15 January 2019.
  162. ^ "OSF Life Flight Aircraft".
  163. ^ "H145 joins the EMS stable at Boston MedFlight". Airbus.com. Retrieved 24 September 2018.
  164. ^ "Helicopter Transport | Duke Life Flight". lifeflight.duhs.duke.edu. Retrieved 11 November 2020.[permanent dead link‍]
  165. ^ "Thomas Jefferson University has added an EC145 to its fleet, replacing one of two Air Methods EC135". Facebook. Retrieved 8 December 2020.
  166. ^ "Action Item. Riverside County, California. Quote: "SHERIFF-CORONER-PA: Approve the purchase of One (1) H145 Helicopter..."
  167. ^ "New Pegasus Air Helicopter Receives Magnificent Upgrade". 21 June 2023.
  168. ^ "Aviation Safety Network > > ASN Aviation Safety Database results".
  169. ^ "Eurocopter EC 145 Technical Data" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 29 September 2007. Retrieved 17 July 2007.
  170. ^ "EC145 Technical Data" (PDF). eurocopterusa. Archived from the original (PDF) on 7 May 2007. Retrieved 31 October 2019.
  171. ^ Lednicer, David. "The Incomplete Guide to Airfoil Usage". m-selig.ae.illinois.edu. Retrieved 16 April 2019.

Bibliography

[edit]
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Eurocopter EC 145.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Eurocopter_EC145&oldid=1263310269"