Airbus conducts maiden flight of H145M helicopter for German Armed Forces

By Defence Industry Europe

On September 27, Airbus announced that the first H145M multi-role helicopter ordered by the German Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology, and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) successfully completed its maiden flight at the manufacturer’s facility in Donauwörth, Germany. This marks significant progress in the production of the helicopters, which were ordered in December 2023.

 

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.

 

 

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.

 

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