The Airbus H145 is a versatile, twin-engine light utility helicopter, known for being the quietest in its class and offering exceptional performance, especially in high-altitude and one-engine-inoperative conditions. It is manufactured by Airbus Helicopters, a division of the Airbus Group, which is a global aerospace leader known for its comprehensive range of civil and military aircraft and helicopters.
The H145 evolved from the Eurocopter EC145, which itself was developed from the MBB/Kawasaki BK 117. The helicopter’s first flight was in 1999, with the updated H145 version (initially designated EC145 T2) featuring a Fenestron shrouded tail rotor and later a five-bladed main rotor head for enhanced capabilities. Over 1,600 helicopters in the H145 family have been produced, demonstrating its widespread success.
The H145 is highly valued globally for its flexibility, large cabin, and rear-loading clamshell doors. It is commonly deployed worldwide for various missions including emergency medical services (EMS), search and rescue (SAR), passenger and corporate transport, and parapublic/utility roles. Significant operators include the French Sécurité Civile and Gendarmerie Nationale, and the German Army Aviation (which uses the H145M LKH and LUH SAR variants). The H145 is also utilized in locations such as Tasmania (Australia) for emergency air services and across West Africa, underscoring its role in critical operations globally. It can typically carry one or two pilots and up to ten passengers.
