While the exact date of the flight has not been disclosed, it signifies a key milestone in the contract, which includes 62 helicopters, with an option for an additional 20. Of the confirmed 62 units, 57 will be delivered to the German Army, while the remaining five will go to the German Air Force (Luftwaffe). The primary role of the H145M will be to replace the ageing Airbus Tiger combat helicopters within the German Armed Forces.
It’s lift-off time – the first of 62 #H145M 🚁 ordered by the German Armed Forces recently completed its maiden flight at our Donauwörth site in Germany! 🇩🇪
At the same time, the first German pilots began training on their brand new helicopters. pic.twitter.com/xvwOXeWpba— Airbus Helicopters (@AirbusHeli) September 27, 2024
This new order is not the first time the H145M has been introduced into German service. Previously, 16 helicopters were delivered to the country’s special forces, and eight were assigned to the search-and-rescue (SAR) units.
In addition to the maiden flight of the H145M from the latest order, Airbus has also started training German military personnel to operate and maintain this new type of helicopter.
The Airbus H145M has steadily gained popularity in the light multi-role helicopter segment. To date, over 1,600 H145 helicopters have been delivered to customers around the world, with the global fleet amassing over 7.6 million flight hours. The latest models are equipped with a five-bladed main rotor, increasing the payload capacity by 150 kg. Other design improvements have reduced maintenance time and enhanced reliability.