Military, Police Bolster Helicopter Fleets

The German armed forces and federal police are strengthening their helicopter fleets, reports Airbus, which is supplying the aircraft.

On Dec. 13, Airbus reported that the German military procurement agency (BAAINBw) had placed an order for seven H145 helicopters to replacing aging UH-1D aircraft for search-and-rescue missions.

The deal, the value of which was not disclosed, also covers logistics support, repair and maintenance.

Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2020. The aircraft will be stationed at bases in Niederstetten, Holzdorf and Norvenich, said Airbus.

The H145 helicopter is powered by two Safran Arriel 2E engines and is equipped with full authority digital engine control and a Helionix digital avionics suite. The SAR suite includes high-performance cameras; searchlights; emergency beacon locator systems; full suite of medical equipment; and rescue equipment, the statement said.

Bundeswehr special operations forces currently operate 15 H145Ms, a military version of the helicopter. The helicopters were delivered starting in 2015.

On Friday, Airbus reported that it had delivered three H215 Super Puma twin-engine multirole helicopters to the German Federal Police. A fourth is scheduled to be handed over in June 2019. 

These aircraft are slated to enter service at the beginning of 2020 supporting the Central Command for Maritime Emergencies, which is responsible for maritime missions off the German coast.