Browsing: General

General

First United Arab Emirates Rafale

By General 1 Min Read

Wednesday January 29, 2025, took place the presentation of the first United Arab Emirates Rafale: This first F4 Rafale for the UAE, produced in line with the contract schedule, will remain at Dassault Aviation’s Flight Test Center to perform flight tests in view of the first deliveries to the UAE Air Force & Air Defence which are scheduled at the end of 2026.

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CRJ-700 collides with US military helicopter

By General 2 Mins Read

At approximately 20:48 local time on 29 January (01:48 UTC) a PSA Airlines CRJ-700 operating for American Airlines as flight AA5342 and a US military H60 helicopter collided near Washington Reagan National Airport (DCA). The last position received from the CRJ via ADS-B was 38.843840, -77.026550 at 01:48:03 UTC. The helicopter was not broadcasting ADS-B data.

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Airbus growth in helicopter sales in 2024

By General 3 Mins Read

Marignane, France, 27 January 2025 – Airbus Helicopters logged 455 gross orders (net: 450) in 2024, highlighting a steady market growth with a strong performance this year for its light, light twin-engined, and heavy helicopters. The orders came from 182 customers in 42 countries. The Company delivered 361 helicopters in 2024, resulting in a preliminary 57% share of the civil and parapublic market.“Airbus Helicopters’ order intake in 2024, with an increase bordering 10 percent in units for the second year in a row, highlights its stable growth in a complex global environment,” said Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters. “I would like to thank our customers for continuing to place their trust in Airbus Helicopters in 2024,” he added.The Super Puma programme performed strongly on both the civil and parapublic and military markets with 58 orders thanks to the German Bundespolizei, the Japan Coast Guard, the Ministry of Defence of the Netherlands, and the Romanian Ministry of National Defence. 2024 saw the launch of a comprehensive upgrade, known as Block 1, for the NH90 as well as the start of flight testing for France’s Special Forces Standard 2 configuration, and the delivery of the first Standard 3 configuration to the Spanish Air Force. The H145 and H145M programme welcomed many new defence and security customers such as the Brunei Air Force, the Belgian Ministry of Defence, the Indonesian Air Force, the Bahraini Police Aviation Command as well as the Irish Ministry of Defence.  “Defence and security is a strategic priority at Airbus Helicopters. We are proud to support our customers with helicopters that enable them to protect and serve their nations as we saw in 2024 with the U.S. National Guard’s Lakota supporting disaster relief efforts after Hurricane Helene and the H135 and NH90 in the flooding in Valencia, Spain. We continue to innovate and expand the mission capabilities that we offer –  we integrated Flexrotor into our UAS portfolio, we demonstrated crewed – uncrewed teaming capabilities with the VSR700 and an H130, and we are laying the groundwork for the European Next Generation Rotorcraft through dedicated concept studies,” continued Even. 2024 saw the first flight of Racer and the unique compound helicopter surpassed its 407 KM an hour objective in just seven flights along with the maiden flight of CityAirbus NextGen in Donauwörth. On the civil and parapublic market, the H175 completed its de-icing flight test campaign in Canada and Norway ahead of certification this year and the H160 continued its progressive entry into service around the world with more than 30 helicopters now in service.“Supporting our customers is essential and our global footprint is a key element to achieving that. We celebrated several milestones in 2024 that attest to that – firstly the 40 years of our facility in Fort Erie, Canada.  This proximity will be important for our landmark contract for the 19 H135s that will be delivered to our first Canadian defence customer. Secondly, we marked fifty years of presence in the UK and inaugurated a brand new facility in Oxford. We will continue to grow our international footprint with the addition of an H125 final assembly line in India in partnership with TATA,” Even continued. The Company also ramped up the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) for its own development test flights and training flights in Marignane, Albacete, and Donauwörth to nearly 20%, and added the use of SAF at its facility in Oxford, UK.Airbus’ 2024 full year financial results will be disclosed on 20 February 2025.@AirbusHeli #MakingMissionsPossible

General

Model. The Mirage 2000 C

By General 2 Mins Read

Assembly and painting! Here is a model of the famous Mirage 2000 C, designed by Kitty Hawk, which should delight fans of this iconic fighter.

Calling all collectors! The Dassault Mirage 2000 C entered into service in 1984, 315 of which were for the French Air Force (286 other aircraft were exported to India, Brazil and Greece, among others). It bears a striking resemblance to the Dassault Mirage III, in particular because of its delta wings, a feature that will not have escaped purists – just like its size. However, it was a ‘new’ aircraft in the Dassault galaxy when it entered into service, with increased wing area and fly-by-wire controls.

General

Airbus delivers two new H225M helicopters to France

By General 2 Mins Read

Marignane – Airbus Helicopters has delivered two H225M helicopters to the French Armament General Directorate (DGA). These helicopters are the first of eight aircraft ordered in 2021. They will be operated by the French Air and Space Force, replacing Pumas currently in service overseas (French Guyana, Djibouti and New Caledonia) and will contribute to the harmonisation of the French Air and Space Force’s helicopter fleet. They will be used for operational missions, search and rescue and utility missions. “The delivery of these two brand new H225Ms to the French Air and Space Force is very symbolic as France was the first operator of the H225M. They have proven on multiple occasions the benefit of this rotorcraft for combat, search and rescue, disaster management and medical evacuation missions,” said Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters. “We are very proud that the French Air and Space Force has renewed their trust in the Caracal,” he added. “The French Air and Space Air Force will benefit from all the innovations that have been implemented on the H225M since the helicopter started operations in 2006 with the French armed forces, further expanding the capabilities of this unique aircraft.”Like all newly built H225Ms, the eight new helicopters ordered by France in 2021 are equipped with state-of-the-art avionics. The French H225Ms, also nicknamed Caracal, are equipped with the Safran Euroflir 410 electro-optical system and the Sigma inertial navigation system.  New equipment also includes the Thales VUHF radio TRA6034 and IFF (Identification Friend or Foe) transponder TSC4000. The H225M has proven its reliability and durability in combat conditions and crisis areas around the world. There are more than 350 H225s and H225Ms in service, totalling more than 880,000 flight hours. Military customers include France, Malaysia, Indonesia, Iraq, Thailand, Singapore, Mexico, the Netherlands, Kuwait, Brazil, and Hungary.@AirbusHeli @Armees_Gouv @Armee_de_lair @DGA #H225M 

General

Film. “The Shamrock Spitfire”

By General 2 Mins Read

This film is about a little-known story on this side of the Channel, chronicling the brief, heroic existence of a young Royal Air Force pilot during World War II.

Irish fighter pilot Brendan “Paddy” Finucane is relatively unknown in France, yet in the UK he is very famous. And with good reason: he had 28 official victories to his name and was the youngest Wing Commander in the Royal Air Force in 1939-1945. “The Shamrock Spitfire” is a film about the aviator’s short yet brilliant career.

Finucane joined His Majesty’s Army in April 1938, at the age of 17. What happened next? The outbreak of the war, the defeat of the French, the encircling of the British troops at Dunkirk, the Battle of Britain, victorious duels, incorporation into the Kenley squadron, promotion to the rank of Wing Commander… From 1940 to 1942, the man forged his reputation as a leader and pilot!

General

Japan’s Police new Airbus H160 operator

By General 1 Min Read

Tokyo, Japan, 15 January 2025 – The National Police Agency (NPA) of Japan has taken delivery of two Airbus H160 helicopters, making it the first para-public operator of the type in Japan. The first H160 was delivered at the end of last year, with the second delivery in January.“We are very proud of the delivery of the first public service version of the H160 to our long-standing customer in Japan. This is the culmination of two years of outstanding work and dedication of the teams in France and Japan,” said Jean-Luc Alfonsi, Managing Director of Airbus Helicopters in Japan. “The unique capabilities of these brand-new aircraft will contribute to expanding the envelope of the NPA’s wide-ranging law enforcement missions.”The H160 is one of the world’s most technologically advanced helicopters, designed and built to deliver the highest levels of operational safety while providing unmatched comfort for rotorcraft in its class. Capable of performing wide-ranging missions including law enforcement, offshore transportation, search and rescue, private and business aviation, and emergency medical services, the H160 has entered into service in Brazil, Canada, France, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, U.K., U.S. and many other European countries.@AirbusHeli #H160

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Ireland orders four Airbus H145M

By General Airbus 2 Mins Read

Oxford, UK – Airbus Helicopters has signed a firm contract with the Republic of Ireland Department of Defence to acquire four H145M helicopters.The H145M, a new type in Irish military service, will be used to expand the operational capabilities of the Irish Air Corps on a variety of defence and security tasks.“The procurement of the Airbus H145M helicopter platform is another important step on the journey of transformative change of our Defence Forces. These new light multi-role helicopters, proven in their service in other militaries, will not only enhance the Irish Air Corps rotary capability but will also serve as a critical enabler to the Army, Naval Service and Special Operations Forces,” said Irish Defence Forces’ Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Seán Clancy.“It’s a great honour to be selected to play this key role in the modernisation of the Irish Air Corps fleet.

General

To bee or not to bee – the Airbus H125 to the rescue

By General 4 Mins Read

In the midst of a natural disaster, a swarm of bees took an extraordinary first flight, beneath an SAF Ecureuil. An event worthy of a Shakespearean play, except with no sting in the tale.In the early days of September 2024, severe weather hit the French Pyrenees. The Aspe valley was lashed by torrential rain, leading to landslides and flooding. Route National 134, which links France to Spain via the Somport tunnel, was cut off, and the water and electricity networks also suffered extensive damage.Ready for action“The first effects of the Gave d’Aspe flooding were felt on the night between 6 and 7 September,” explains Jérôme Delhome, pilot and head of the Pyrenees base at SAF Hélicoptères in Ger. The company keeps an H125 stationed there throughout the year for aerial work in the region.“The flooding got worse during the night, the authorities issued warnings in good time, residents evacuated and there were no casualties,” continued Jérôme Delhome. “My assistants and I were ready to take action on the morning of 7 September, but the wind was too strong. We had to wait until the end of the day to launch the first logistical relief missions.”Non-stop operationsEverything was transported by sling, with lengths varying from 25 to 70 metres depending on the terrain. The helicopter was also used to transport personal belongings from devastated homes. The light helicopter once again proved its worth, flying up to six hours a day non-stop.Around two weeks after these dramatic events, the SAF base received a call from the Pyrenees National Park: the situation for beekeepers who could no longer access their hives on the Layers plateau was becoming critical. The forest paths had been destroyed by mudslides, vehicles could no longer get through and the plateau was only accessible on foot. In addition to harvesting several hundred kilos of honey, they also had to bring the hives down to the valley for the winter. The Ecureuil would single-handedly rescue an entire local economy.

A tonne of honey“The first stage of the job was to bring in the honey,” explains the pilot. “In two round trips, I took almost one tonne down to the village of Borce, 300 metres further down the valley.” Meanwhile, the beekeepers dismantled their hives and prepared them for transport on pallets.“We put a dozen on each pallet, for a total weight of around 700 kg. We didn’t have a problem with the load, but we were afraid that the hives would get damaged during transport and that the bees would escape.”

‘Beesily’ taking flightNormally, hives are transported on trailers at night, when the bees are asleep. The noise, rotor blast and possible damage to the hives make caution a necessity, so the bees were smoked inside their hives the night before to give them a few extra hours of peace and quiet during transport. The next morning, the assistants in charge of attaching the loads to the sling worked wearing beekeeping protective gear. The pilot, 35 metres higher up, wasn’t at risk and wore no special protection equipment. After the two round trips to collect the honey, five more were needed to bring the hives to the floor of the valley. Each flight lasted just over eight minutes and the entire operation was completed in less than an hour. “I’ve been a professional helicopter pilot since 1997 and I’ve clocked up over 16,000 flying hours, including 12,000 on the Ecureuil family,” explains Jérôme Delhome. “In the course of my career, I’ve transported everything from cows and horses to sheep and tourists… but never bees! One thing I learned from this mission is that these insects seemed to enjoy this new kind of flight. They showed no aggression, and nobody got stung.”

General

Why are the Channel Islands so foggy?

By General 3 Mins Read

Jersey Airport (JER), Guernsey Airport (GCI) and Alderney Airport (ACI), located in the Channel Islands, frequently experience significant fog during the winter months, which often disrupts commercial flight operations. This phenomenon is primarily due to the region’s unique maritime climate and geographical position.

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Comic book. “Team Rafale” – Volume 16 – “Dark Star”

By General 2 Mins Read

This sixteenth volume in the adventures of Tom Nolane will transport readers to Asia, where the disappearance of a mysterious aircraft is intertwined with issues of the utmost importance.

For this latest adventure of the fighter pilot and test pilot (on board the Rafale, of course!), the protagonists Tom Nolane and his sidekicks – Tank, Dozer, etc. –, go on board the aircraft carrier “Charles-de-Gaulle” along with the rest of the carrier battle group. Straddling the territorial waters of India and Bangladesh, the aircraft carrier sails through the Bay of Bengal.

Soon, a Search And Rescue (SAR) alert is launched: it was triggered to locate the pilot of an American reconnaissance aircraft, the “Dark Star”, still in the prototyping phase, which disappeared from the radar without emitting a distress signal. To make matters worse, the case promises to be a sensitive one, since the plane is classified as top secret…

General

Pasco County, 2 new H125s to combat mosquitoes

By General 3 Mins Read

GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas,  Pasco County Mosquito Control District in Florida has a new weapon in its fight against mosquitoes — two new Airbus H125s.Pasco County is home to roughly 45 different species of mosquitoes, and aerial spraying is one of the most effective ways to fight mosquito-borne diseases such as West Nile and Zika viruses. The H125 is the helicopter of choice for mosquito control, with this delivery bringing the total number of H125s in Florida alone that support this unique utility mission to 13.“In Florida, controlling mosquito populations is daily, year-round work, and our aerial tools are invaluable in the work that we do,” said Adriane Rogers, director of Pasco County Mosquito Control. “We are always looking for the best, most efficient and most cost effective ways to fight mosquitoes, and the H125 is the solution.”Pasco County has also entrusted Airbus with a full nose-to-tail HCare support contract for the H125 fleet. The five-year agreement covers both H125 helicopters for unscheduled parts removals.Operators like Pasco County credit the aircraft’s increased payload capacity, speed and enhanced safety measures with its popularity. The aircraft features improved Isolair and AgNav equipment for conducting mosquito control missions.“Thanks to its power and versatility, the H125 has emerged as the machine of choice for places such as Florida that must work year-round to protect its population from mosquitoes,” said Will Fulton, Head of Marketing for Airbus Helicopters Inc. “In Florida and elsewhere, mosquitoes are more than a nuisance; they’re a health and safety concern, and the H125 is a key resource to support this mission and help keep communities safe.”In addition to Pasco County’s two H125, the mosquito control district in Brevard County operate two H125, Lee County operates six, Florida Keys (Monroe County) operates two, and Charlotte County also operates one H125, which also serves the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office.More than 1,400 H125s are currently in-service worldwide. In addition to its power and versatility, the H125 is known for its advanced safety features and low maintenance costs. It features dual hydraulics, dual channel engine FADEC, a crash-resistant fuel system and glass-panel cockpit displays that reduce pilot workload.Airbus Helicopters Inc. is the leading supplier of helicopters in the United States, with a market share of nearly 65% and a presence dating back more than 50 years. A team of some 725 employees operates local production and completion facilities for the H125 and UH-72 Lakota aircraft in Columbus, Mississippi, and provides world-class training, aftermarket support, and technical assistance from Grand Prairie, Texas, for the North American regional in-service fleet of nearly 3,100 helicopters.

General

H145 full flight simulator in North America in Texas

By General 4 Mins Read

#HelisimLLC #H145 #makingmissionspossible #training #fullflightsimulatorGrand Prairie, Texas,  The Helisim Simulation Center, located inside the Airbus Helicopters Inc. facility in Grand Prairie, Texas, has inaugurated a new Thales Reality H full-motion flight simulator, the first of its kind in the region. Helisim LLC, a subsidiary of Helisim SAS, has already invested $22 million for the new simulation center. The H145 simulator will offer the possibility for pilots to perform their initial and recurrent H145 training in the Americas, with customers already booked to begin training later this month. “The H145 is already recognized as the most versatile light twin helicopter around the world, used in market segments such as emergency medical services, law enforcement, military, oil & gas and private aviation,” said Romain Trapp, president of Airbus Helicopters, Inc. and head of the North America region. “With this brand new state of the art H145 Level-D full flight simulator, our North American customers can experience the highest levels of H145 training in their own backyard.” The 18,500 square-foot Helisim Simulation Center was designed to house two simulator bays, with the possibility to expand to hold three simulators in the future as needed. The training center also operates an H125/AS350 full flight simulator and an EC135/EC145 flight training device.This represents a major international expansion of France-based Helisim, a joint venture of Airbus Helicopters, Thales, and DCI which brings 20 years of experience in simulation training with Airbus helicopters.“With this new training center, Helisim is able to offer the best simulator-based training to H145 operators,” said Jean-Charles de Troy, managing director of Helisim LLC. “With outstanding equipment and software implemented, including an OEM simulator data package, along with integrating Airbus helicopter flight instructors, our goal is to offer a reliable and true-to-mission training experience to H145 pilots.”Developed by Thales, the Level D H145 full flight simulator is one of the most advanced simulators on the market, thanks to the integration of Airbus Helicopters avionics and software suite, a larger field of view, 4K projection technology, the unique Thales full electric Hexaline motion, and a new intuitive touch screen instructor station.“The Thales Reality H simulator is deployed all over the world for civil and military use and Thales is proud to have the first Reality H in the United States at Helisim in co-development with Airbus,” said Alan Pellegrini, CEO of Thales in North America. Equipped with Airbus Helicopters avionics and software suite, this simulator will provide the most true to life experience while allowing the safety of simulation training for a variety of real world situations. The simulator becomes Airbus Helicopters’ second H145 full flight simulator, the first being located in Germany.The North America training center is one of 18 training and simulation centers run by Airbus Helicopters worldwide and trains upwards of 1,500 pilots and maintenance personnel every year in Grand Prairie, which, as part of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, has seen significant growth and local investments in recent years.  About Airbus Helicopters, Inc.Airbus Helicopters Inc. is the leading supplier of helicopters in the United States, with a market share of nearly 65% and a presence dating back 50 years. A team of more than 725 employees operates local production and completion facilities for the H125 and UH-72 Lakota aircraft in Columbus, Mississippi, and provides world-class training, aftermarket support, and technical assistance from Grand Prairie, Texas, for the North American regional in-service fleet of nearly 3,100 helicopters.About ThalesThales (Euronext Paris: HO) is a global high technology leader investing in digital and “deep tech” innovations –  connectivity, big data, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and quantum technology – to build a future we can all trust, which is vital to the development of our societies. The company provides solutions, services and products that help its customers – businesses, organizations and states – in the Defence, aeronautics, space, transportation and digital identity and security markets to fulfil their critical missions, by placing humans at the heart of the decision-making process. With 83,000 employees in 68 countries, Thales generated sales of €19 billion in 2019 (on a basis including Gemalto over 12 months).www.thalesgroup.com @ThalesGroup @ThalesAerospaceAbout Helisim LLC HELISIM is a Joint Venture between Airbus Helicopters, Thales and DCI providing high-end simulation training services for pilots. HELISIM is the main simulation center for Airbus Helicopters platforms, operating 24/7 with over 150,000 cumulated flight hours, since its creation in 2000, and over 2,600 pilots trained every year. HELISIM LLC is the U.S. based HELISIM subsidiary created in 2018.

General

Air Care adds two Airbus H135 helicopters

By General Airbus 2 Mins Read

Dallas, Texas, North Memorial Health is partnering with Airbus for the first time to welcome two new H135 helicopters to its Air Care program in late 2022.“Adding these helicopters to our fleet is the latest step in our long-term commitment to create the safest air medical program possible,” said Scott Sampey, vice president and chief of ambulance services for North Memorial Health. “We are excited about what the addition of this modern technology means in terms of improved safety and advanced patient care for our customers, communities and flight crews.”Air Care operates 24/7 out of seven bases and covers territory in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, and North and South Dakota.  Air Care is part of the North Memorial Health system, which started as a single hospital in 1954 and has grown into a network of 26 specialty centers with 350+ care providers and more than 6,000 team members.“We could not be prouder to support the critical work of teams like North Memorial Health’s Air Care program,” said Cyndi Carter, air medical segment manager for Airbus Helicopters, Inc.  “It’s our honor to welcome them to the Airbus family, and we look forward to helping them introduce the proven and reliable H135 to the communities they serve.”

The H135 is the market leader in emergency medical services (EMS) worldwide and can be fitted with a wide range of EMS configurations, providing direct access and ample room for patient care. The H135 comes with the lowest operating and maintenance costs of any twin-engine helicopter and is also one of the quietest helicopters in its class.  Recent evolutions to the proven H135 include Airbus’ Helionix avionics suite and an alternate gross weight to further increases the useful load by up to 265 lbs.Airbus Helicopters is the leading provider of helicopters to the air medical transport industry, providing some 55% of the 2,600 EMS helicopters flying in the world today and more than half of all new air medical helicopters sold in the last decade in the U.S.@north_memorial #HEMS #H135 #makingmissionspossible  

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Airbus NYPD’s next-generation fleet with the H175

By General 3 Mins Read

GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas, Airbus Helicopters, Inc. has submitted a bid to the New York Police Department (NYPD)’s request for proposal for two new helicopters to partially replace their aging fleet of rotorcraft. Airbus is prepared to equip the New York Police Department with high-tech, high-performance search and rescue H175 helicopters.“Airbus is honored to have the opportunity to present the capabilities of the H175 to this iconic customer as they make an informed decision as to the best possible path forward to protect and serve the citizens of New York who count on them,” said Treg Manning, vice president of Sales and Marketing at Airbus Helicopters, Inc. “Not only do they need a helicopter that will be a responsible neighbor in the skies with a low sound footprint, they need versatility, reliability, performance, and the most modern technologies integrating key safety features right into the helicopter – they’d get all of this, and more, in the H175.”Called on to support, protect, and serve the more than 8.5 million citizens in all five New York City boroughs and the immediate surrounding areas, NYPD is responsible for missions that include surveillance, search and rescue, counter terrorism, SWAT, medical evacuation, high rise rescue, and firefighting. The current request for proposal for two new helicopters was released earlier this month, with an award announcement expected later this year.Airbus’ H175 is a twin-engine helicopter that can accommodate up to two pilots and 18 passengers, and is well-suited to perform a wide range of public service missions such as search and rescue (SAR), emergency medical services, law enforcement, and firefighting as well as land and maritime border control operations. It benefits from more than 20 certified cabin configurations that can be easily interchanged based on mission requirements. The H175 benefits from the latest developments of Airbus Helicopters’ state-of-the-art Helionix avionics suite, which bolsters the helicopter’s search and rescue capabilities with advanced SAR modes.“As a former police service member, I know how important it is for our nation’s law enforcement to be able to serve and protect in the specific ways that their communities need,” said Ron Kelley, airborne law enforcement segment manager at Airbus Helicopters, Inc. “Serving and protecting in New York City means having the ability to perform rescues and evacuations in a busy urban setting, to operate in a maritime environment, and to be ready to fly at a moment’s notice. The entire Airbus team stands ready to support NYPD with the H175, which is a reliable and versatile platform to help them support those who need them, in any environment.”     Airbus is committed to pioneering sustainable aerospace, integrating technologies into its latest helicopter designs that work to reduce sound levels and carbon footprints. The H175 is equipped with a variable rotor speed control system, which works to adjust the helicopter’s RPMs to reduce the sound levels when it is flying over densely populated areas like New York City. As one of the quietest helicopters in its weight class, the H175 is also fully compliant with Stage 3 noise level requirements.Airbus Helicopters Inc. is the leading supplier of helicopters in the United States, with a market share of nearly 65% and a presence dating back over 50 years. A team of more than 725 employees operates local production and completion facilities for the H125 and UH-72 Lakota aircraft in Columbus, Mississippi, and provides world-class training, aftermarket support, and technical assistance from Grand Prairie, Texas. More than half of all helicopters delivered for airborne law enforcement missions in North America over the past 10 years have been from Airbus. 

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Metro Aviation first Airbus EC145e made in U.S.

By General 3 Mins Read

Grand Prairie, Texas, September 10, 2019 – Airbus Helicopters Inc. has delivered to Metro Aviation Inc. the first EC145e produced at its U.S. assembly plant in Columbus, Miss. This latest aircraft delivery is part of an order for 25 that Metro placed in 2018, and the remaining aircraft will all be delivered out of Columbus.Metro is a Shreveport, La.-based company that operates air medical helicopter services for hospitals and customizes new helicopters for a variety of missions. Metro was the first customer in the world for the EC145e when Airbus Helicopters launched the model in 2015. The twin-engine EC145e was initially introduced for use with Visual Flight Rules (VFR).”Airbus Helicopters is pleased to deliver this EC145e, now the third Airbus model to be produced in the U.S. by workers in our Columbus plant,” said Romain Trapp, President of Airbus Helicopters Inc. and head of the North America region. “For more than a decade, our workforce has been producing high-quality aircraft for both the U.S. Army and more recently our commercial operators in North America.”Metro developed its own Federal Aviation Administration approved avionics package in partnership with Genesys Aerosystems, as well as air medical and utility configurations. The Metro/Genesys upgrades include Supplemental Type Certificates for a Single Pilot/Dual Pilot Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) system; a VFR electronic flight instrument system (EFIS); and autopilot and stability augmentation system upgrades.”Metro is pleased to continue a long-term relationship with Airbus, providing aircraft that meet a wide range of customer needs, and we are especially happy with the EC145e,” said Metro President and CEO Mike Stanberry. “The IFR package we received earlier this year provides an upgrade to an extremely dependable and reliable global airframe, making it more cost- effective with a higher payload.”Airbus Helicopters is the leading provider of civil and commercial helicopters in North America. The company opened its Columbus plant in 2004, where it began production of UH-72A Lakota helicopters for the U.S. Army in 2007. More than 440 Lakotas, also a derivative of the EC145, have been delivered to date. Airbus also performs final assembly of its top-selling H125 commercial helicopter in Columbus, as well as the bulk of its helicopter completions for the region.About AirbusAirbus is a global leader in aeronautics, space and related services. In 2018 it generated revenues of € 64 billion and employed a workforce of around 134,000.

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Airbus UH-72B Lakota U.S. Army and National Guard

By General 3 Mins Read

GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas, Aug. 28, 2020 – Airbus Helicopters, Inc. will introduce the newest series of its Lakota helicopter to the U.S. Army’s fleet, the company announced today at the 2020 National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS) virtual tradeshow.   Starting with new orders placed this year for 17 additional Lakota helicopters, the U.S. Army will welcome the newest series – known as the UH-72B – to their fleet in 2021. Airbus has delivered more than 460 UH-72A Lakota helicopters to the U.S. Army, Navy and National Guard, with the 463rd and final UH-72A model slated for delivery in September.   “Since we first began operations with the UH-72 Lakota some 15 years ago, this helicopter has been the workhorse of the Army and National Guard, saving lives, assisting in disaster relief, training thousands of pilots, and, more importantly, helping to protect our communities and our country,” said  COL Calvin Lane, US Army Project Manager for Utility Helicopters. “Procuring the UH-72B Lakota provides tremendous value with no research and development costs for the Army.”   The UH-72B will enter service for the U.S. Army National Guard and is the latest iteration of the same commercial, off-the-shelf aircraft that has been the Army’s Light Utility Helicopter since the first Lakota contract award in 2006. The Army is leveraging the benefits of a commercial off the shelf (COTS) program by receiving product improvements and enhancements through the evolution of the aircraft, without investing any government money into the development of those capabilities.   “This is welcome news for the men and women building the Lakota in Mississippi, as we expand our production capabilities and prepare for a successful future for the Lakota,” said Scott Tumpak, vice president responsible for Airbus military helicopter programs in the U.S. “Since 2006, every single Lakota has been delivered on time and on cost by our American workforce, whose pride of workmanship is evident in every aircraft we deliver.”   The UH-72B is based on the widely successful H145, which incorporates various product improvements that have been developed during the lifecycle of the commercial aircraft. The efficient Fenestron tail rotor, more powerful engines, enhanced controls and the Airbus Helionix avionics suite, to name a few, will provide added benefits for mission safety and flight performance. With more than nine configurations available, the Lakota delivers proven performance, outstanding operational reliability, and unmatched versatility for a broad spectrum of military missions.  Airbus Helicopters, Inc. builds the Lakota at its production facility in Columbus, Mississippi, which employs a workforce that is made up of 40% veterans.  Since the program’s beginning in 2006, the Army and National Guard have amassed nearly 800,000 total flight hours. The UH-72A is the primary rotary-wing training aircraft for the Army, and serves in roles as diverse as search and rescue, disaster relief, counter-drug operations, and live-saving MEDEVAC flights.  About Airbus Helicopters Inc.  Airbus Helicopters Inc. is the leading supplier of helicopters in the United States, with a market share of nearly 65% and a presence dating back 50 years. A team of more than 750 employees operates local production and completion facilities for the H125 and UH-72 Lakota aircraft in Columbus, Miss., and provides world-class training, aftermarket support, and technical assistance from Grand Prairie, Texas, for the North American regional inservice fleet of nearly 3,100 helicopters. #lakota #madeinUSA #USArmy #makingmissionspossible 

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Five-bladed Airbus H145 FAA type certification

By General 3 Mins Read

@FAANews  #newH145 #H145 #makingmissionspossibleGrand Prairie, Texas, The new five-bladed H145 helicopter has received its certification from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This type certification covers the full range of capabilities, including single-pilot instrument flight rules (IFR) and single engine operations (Cat.A/VTOL), along with night vision goggle capability. This newest version of the H145 family received EASA certification this past summer and was delivered to launch customer Norwegian Air Ambulance Foundation in September. The first five-bladed H145 delivery in the U.S. is set to take place in early 2021.“The FAA certification is an important milestone for the H145 program, as our customers in North America are eagerly awaiting its arrival and our entire team looks forward to delivering and supporting this new variant,” said Romain Trapp, president of Airbus Helicopters, Inc. and head of the North America region. “We’d like to sincerely thank the FAA and everyone else who has contributed to achieving this certification through the various challenges that 2020 has presented to us all in the aviation industry.” Airbus Helicopters, Inc. has begun updates to the current H145 final assembly line (FAL) in Columbus, Mississippi, with new wiring testing capabilities for the five-blade variant. Technicians are also undergoing training in preparation for receipt of the first kits of the new version later this year. This latest upgrade of the H145 family adds a new, innovative five-bladed rotor system to the multi-mission H145, increasing the useful load of the helicopter by 330 lbs (150 kg). The simplicity of the new bearingless main rotor design will also simplify maintenance operations, further improving the benchmark serviceability and reliability of the H145, while improving ride comfort for both passengers and crew.Powered by two Safran Arriel 2E engines, the H145 is equipped with full authority digital engine control (FADEC) and Airbus’s own Helionix digital avionics suite. It includes a high performance 4-axis autopilot, increasing safety and reducing pilot workload. This helicopter’s particularly low acoustic footprint makes the H145 the quietest helicopter in its class.The new version of Airbus’s best-selling H145 light twin-engine helicopter was unveiled at Heli-Expo 2019 in Atlanta with launch customers announced for almost every market segment. During its  high-altitude test campaign in South America, the H145 set its skids down on the Aconcagua, the highest mountain in the Southern hemisphere, further proving its capabilities even in harsh conditions. About Airbus Helicopters, Inc.Airbus Helicopters Inc. is the leading supplier of helicopters in the United States, with a market share of nearly 65% and a presence dating back more than 50 years. A team of more than 725 employees operates local production and completion facilities for the H125 and UH-72 Lakota aircraft in Columbus, Mississippi, and provides world-class training, aftermarket support, and technical assistance from Grand Prairie, Texas, for the North American regional in-service fleet of nearly 3,100 helicopters.

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Assad’s possible paths to Moscow

By General 3 Mins Read

Over 7-8 December, much of Flightradar24’s most tracked flights list was occupied by flights to, from, or near Syria as rebels entered Damascus and news spread that Syria’s Bashar al-Assad had been deposed. With the Russian government announcing it had granted Assad and his family asylum and they were in Moscow, we began to ponder Assad’s possible paths to Russia. 

The following options present to us the most likely scenarios, though there are certainly multiple variables that leave open the possibility of additional options.  

Option A — IL-76 from Latakia

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Boston MedFlight orders three Airbus H145s

By General 2 Mins Read

Las Vegas  – Boston MedFlight, a nonprofit organization that provides critical care air medical transport for Boston-area and other Eastern Massachusetts hospitals, has ordered three new versatile Airbus H145 helicopters as part of a comprehensive plan to upgrade its fleet with more modern and more capable aircraft.“The H145 platform suits our needs because of its versatility, safety, durability, and reliability,” said Charlie Blathras, Chief Operations Manager for Boston MedFlight. “It is the best all-around vehicle for our mission profile.”The first two helicopters will be placed into service this spring, with the third arriving in the fall. The new aircraft will replace Boston MedFlight’s H145 predecessors, two EC145s, and a BK117. Boston MedFlight has flown Airbus helicopters since the consortium’s founding in 1985.“We are proud that Boston MedFlight, one of this nation’s leading critical care transport services, has once again placed its faith in helicopters from Airbus, as well as in our company’s support and service team,” said Christopher Emerson, President of Airbus Helicopters Inc. “We believe the H145 will be an excellent fit for the Boston MedFlight mission, and we look forward to our continued partnership.”Boston MedFlight serves a consortium of seven Boston-area medical centers and transports more than 4,000 critically ill and injured patients each year, including approximately 1,800 by air. The nonprofit provides expert care and efficient transportation to adult, pediatric and neonatal patients with a diverse range of diagnoses, including medical, trauma, and neurological, respiratory, cardiac and obstetrical concerns.The Airbus H145 is the class-leader among light twin-engine helicopters, incorporating Airbus Helicopters’ advanced cockpit design and innovative Helionix avionics suite. Its versatility, spacious cabin, and rear-loading clamshell doors have made it the leading choice for air medical programs in the United States and worldwide.Airbus Helicopters Inc. is the leading provider of civil and commercial helicopters in the U.S. The company is based in Grand Prairie, Texas where it operates helicopter completion, paint, and MRO facilities, performs flight test and engineering support, and flight and maintenance training for customers. The Columbus, Miss. plant produces UH-72A Lakota helicopters for the U.S. Army and the H125 for the civil market.Be sure to follow Airbus Helicopters for all the news and events throughout the show: http://www.airbus.com/newsroom/events/HAI-2018.html.Twitter: @AirbusHC_usa

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U.S. Army National Guard operate UH-72B in Arizona

By General 2 Mins Read

Washington D.C. – After taking delivery of the first UH-72B Lakota helicopter in September last year, the U.S. Army National Guard is finalizing its training and will begin fielding the new helicopter with numerous state Guard units, beginning with Arizona. Subsequent states to operate the new 5-bladed UH-72B include Colorado and New Mexico later this year, followed by additional National Guard units as new UH-72B helicopters are delivered.  “We are pleased to introduce this new variant of the proven Lakota in operation with our first National Guard units, as the capabilities of the new UH-72B will help us provide the safest and most modern solution to be successful in our essential missions,” said Mike Hadley, Vice President of NGAUS. “We’re proud of the teams who work hard every day serving and protecting our nation, and we hope to be able to expand the UH-72B into other states’ fleets in the future.”The UH-72B is the latest iteration of the proven commercial, off-the-shelf (COTS) aircraft that has been the Army’s Light Utility Helicopter since the first Lakota contract award and delivery in 2006. Based on the widely successful H145, the UH-72B incorporates technologies that increase both safety and flight performance, including the latest five-bladed main rotor, the Fenestron shrouded tail rotor, two Safran Arriel 2E engines, and the Airbus-designed Helionix avionics suite. “The latest variant of the proven and mission-capable H145 family, the UH-72B is a welcome addition to the National Guard fleet for their critical missions saving lives, providing natural disaster relief, interdicting illegal drugs, ensuring homeland security, and more,” said Scott Tumpak, Vice President responsible for Airbus military helicopter programs in the U.S. “We’re proud to continue supporting the Lakota legacy of success and congratulate the Arizona National Guard on their inaugural UH-72B mission flights.” The UH-72B Lakota delivers proven performance, outstanding operational reliability, and unmatched versatility for a broad spectrum of military missions. It’s built at the Airbus Helicopters, Inc. production facility in Columbus, Mississippi, by a workforce of nearly 250 employees that is made up of 40% U.S. veterans.

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Kern County Sheriff’s Office two Airbus H125

By General 2 Mins Read

Dallas, Texas, March 10, 2022 – The Kern County Sheriff’s Office in California will acquire two new Airbus H125s as part of a plan to modernize its aging fleet of helicopters.A first-time Airbus customer, Kern County selected the H125 platform following a thorough vetting process and several flight demonstrations throughout 2020 and 2021. The new helicopters will protect and serve the county’s population of roughly 900,000, which includes the city of Bakersfield.“We operate in a challenging environment with hot summers over 100 degrees, cold winters with temperatures below freezing, and as we tested and compared the H125 with other platforms, it quickly became evident that the H125 was the best helicopter overall for all of our missions and provided the best value for the County of Kern,” said Kern County Sheriff’s Office Air Support Lieutenant Joel Swanson. “We’ve operated an Air Unit for 50 years, and we are the only law enforcement airborne support in a county the size of small states. We cannot wait for these aircraft to be delivered and be put to use to support our deputies and serve the citizens of our community.”Kern County spans roughly 8,100 square miles with a diverse terrain that includes valleys, mountains and desert, elevations of 300 ft. to 8,000 ft. Its temperatures in summer can exceed 105 degrees, requiring a helicopter than can deftly navigate hot and high conditions. In addition, the sheriff’s department sought a platform with impressive endurance, payload capability and the most advanced safety features on the market.A multi-mission workhorse, the H125 boasts a powerful performance, enhanced maneuverability and reduced pilot workload, all in one cost-effective platform. As the leading airborne law enforcement helicopter for many state and local agencies, the H125 account for nearly half of all intermediate single-engine helicopters delivered for that mission in North American over the last decade.“We are thrilled to welcome the Kern County Sheriff’s Office to the Airbus family,” said Ron Kelley, airborne law enforcement segment manager at Airbus Helicopters, Inc. “The H125 has become a trusted tool for law enforcement agencies across the U.S., and we are proud to support those missions.”#airbornelawenforcement #H125 @KernCountySheriff

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Nashville Police orders two Airbus H125

By General 2 Mins Read

Dallas, Texas – The Metropolitan Nashville Police Department has announced plans to enhance its crime fighting capabilities with two new Airbus H125 helicopters.The new helicopters, which represent the department’s inaugural partnership with Airbus, will be delivered later this year.Nashville reaches 526 square miles and includes both high-density urban locations and rural areas. Each year, the department’s aviation unit responds to more than 2,000 calls, including searches for lost children, fleeing felons, drug eradication, robberies and vehicle pursuits.“We need a versatile, powerful and proven aircraft to help us protect and serve the Nashville community,” said Metro Nashville PD Lt. Tommy Durbin. “After a thorough review of aircraft, it became clear the H125 is the right helicopter for the mission.”The H125 is a cost effective, multi-mission helicopter that delivers high performance, enhanced maneuverability and reduced pilot workload. As the leading airborne law enforcement helicopter for many state and local agencies, the H125 accounts for nearly half of all intermediate, single-engine helicopters delivered for that mission in North America over the last decade.“The H125 remains one of the most popular law enforcement helicopters in the U.S., and it’s not hard to see why,” said Ron Kelley, airborne law enforcement segment manager at Airbus Helicopters, Inc. “It thrives in a variety of missions, and law enforcement agencies know it will be there for them when their citizens need it most.”Standard features on the H125 include dual hydraulics, dual channel engine FADEC, a crash resistant fuel system, and advanced glass-panel cockpit displays. The Nashville Police Department’s fleet will be configured with the latest search, communications, and surveillance equipment to support its various airborne law enforcement public safety missions.The H125 is built at Airbus Helicopters, Inc.’s production and completion facility in Columbus, Mississippi, by a team made up of 40% U.S. veterans.#airbornelawenforcement #H125 @NashvillePolice

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Boston MedFlight orders its first five-bladed H145

By General 3 Mins Read

Dallas  – Boston MedFlight has just signed an order for its first five-bladed H145 helicopter as part of a fleet renewal and expansion project to support an increased need for critical care transportation in New England.“The H145 has been a proven and efficient platform for us to carry out critical life-saving flights when time is of the essence, and we look forward to improving and expanding our capabilities with the addition of the newest H145 variant to our fleet,” said Boston MedFlight CEO Maura Hughes. “The power, stability, large cabin size and flexibility of this platform enable us to provide expert and compassionate care to our patients in the air while also knowing that we can carry all the equipment needed for whatever medical emergency comes our way. We thank Airbus for their support and look forward to beginning operations with this new H145.” Boston MedFlight is the region’s primary provider of critical care and medical transport, caring for more than 5,600 patients annually, including the most critically ill and injured infants, children and adults. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Boston MedFlight provides more than $7 million each year in free and unreimbursed care to patients in need who have little or no insurance. Their current Airbus fleet of five H145 helicopters serve as mobile ICUs, staffed by a critical care nurse and critical care paramedic.The purchase of the new five-bladed H145 is part of an ongoing fleet renewal and expansion program to meet increased demand for critical care transport in the Boston area, where they have been saving lives for nearly 40 years. Boston MedFlight also plans to retrofit their current fleet to the five-bladed variant in the next year.“Boston MedFlight will be the first air medical operator in the U.S. to take delivery of a new five-bladed H145, and we are extremely proud to support the essential, life-saving work that they carry out every day,” said Romain Trapp, President of Airbus Helicopters, Inc. and head of the North America region. “The H145 is a fantastic tool for any air medical operator who needs their helicopter to be an actual flying hospital or ICU. We are grateful to all the team at Boston MedFlight for continuing to place their trust in Airbus and thank them for being such a longstanding customer.”  This latest upgrade of the multi-mission H145 adds a new, innovative five-bladed rotor system, increasing the useful load of the helicopter by 330 lbs. (150 kg), simplifying maintenance operations, and improving ride comfort for both passengers and crew. Powered by two Safran Arriel 2E engines, the H145 is equipped with full authority digital engine control (FADEC) and Airbus’s own Helionix digital avionics suite, increasing safety and reducing pilot workload.Airbus Helicopters is the leading provider of helicopters to the air medical transport industry, providing some 55% of the 2,600 EMS helicopters flying in the world today and more than half of all new air medical helicopters sold in the last decade in the U.S.@bostonmedflight #HEMS #H145 #makingmissionspossible  

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Riverside Police orders two Airbus H125 helicopters

By General 2 Mins Read

Dallas, Texas – Riverside Police Department will add two new Airbus H125 helicopters to its law enforcement fleet that serves and protects the City of Riverside, California, following an order placed December last year.“The Riverside Police Aviation Unit is excited to expand its mission capabilities and offer our community additional services by entering into a larger helicopter platform,” said Riverside Police Lieutenant Denny Corbett. “Additional services will include increased flight times for patrol, firefighting capabilities, and officer and citizen rescue capabilities, in addition to other mission essential services. The new H125s are a welcome addition to the current aging helicopter fleet.”The city of Riverside is the largest city in Riverside County with a population of over 350,000 and an area covering over a hundred square miles. The Riverside Police Department Aviation Unit recently celebrated its 50th year as a law enforcement aviation unit.  The Unit is comprised of six pilots, two tactical flight officers and two mechanics. The Aviation Unit maintains a seven day a week flight schedule, providing air support for the City of Riverside, fulfilling a contract to provide air support for the City of Corona, CA, and assisting both City Fire Departments. The unit also maintains relationships with Federal agencies, providing support to their Federal partners. Delivery of the new helicopters is anticipated in the first half of 2023.“Law enforcement agencies continue to turn to the H125 thanks to its versatility, safety, high performance, and for the reliability of a helicopter that will be ready to help them serve and protect their local communities,” said Ron Kelley, airborne law enforcement segment manager at Airbus Helicopters, Inc. “We’re excited to welcome Riverside PD to the Airbus family and look forward to supporting their essential missions.”

Known for its power, versatility and excellent performance in hot and high conditions, the H125 features dual hydraulics, dual channel FADEC, a crash resistant fuel system, and advanced glass-panel cockpit displays. It is the leading airborne law enforcement helicopter for many state and local agencies, accounting for nearly half of all intermediate single-engine helicopters delivered for that mission in North America over the last decade. The H125 is built at Airbus Helicopters, Inc.’s production and completion facility in Columbus, Mississippi, by a team made up of 40% U.S. veterans.#airbornelawenforcement #H125 @RiversidePolice

General

Dassault Aviation : “Women in Defense”

By General 2 Mins Read

In partnership with Dassault Aviation, MBDA, Safran, the French Air Force and GIFAS, the Airemploi association, which bears the “Feminizing the aeronautics professions” label, is organizing a series of events around the theme of “Women in Defense”, taking place from November 18 to 26 as part of Industry Week.

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The 10 best airport shuttle and transit systems

By General 5 Mins Read

Your journey through an airport is just as important as your journey through the air. Navigating large airports can be a daunting part of travel, especially in global hubs that handle millions of passengers each year. To streamline movement between terminals and connect travelers to mainline transport options, many airports have invested in efficient transit systems—from sleek monorails and light rails to innovative automated people movers and eco-friendly pod systems.

Here’s our global countdown of the most effective (and most interesting) airport shuttle and transit systems by passenger numbers.

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Airbus delivers 2 of 82 H145M’s to German Army

By General 3 Mins Read

Donauwörth, Germany, 18 November 2024 – Less than a year after the contract was signed, Airbus Helicopters has delivered the first of up to 82 H145Ms ordered by Germany at its Donauwörth site. The Bundeswehr (German Armed Forces) have named their new H145Ms “Leichter Kampfhubschrauber” (light combat helicopter), or LKH for short. The helicopter’s missions include training, reconnaissance, special forces operations and light attack.“We remain a reliable partner of the German Bundeswehr. Delivering the first H145M LKH in less than a year after the contract signature demonstrates our commitment. The H145M LKH will be a true multi-mission asset for the German Armed Forces, supporting their crucial missions,” said Stefan Thomé, Managing Director of Airbus Helicopters in Germany.  This first helicopter is dedicated to training operations and will be used at the German Army’s Bückeburg base. The first delivery of an H145M LKH in the light attack role to the German customer is scheduled for 2025, as contracted.

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Helicopters in the face of a new threat

By General 4 Mins Read

Much has already been written about how helicopters are irreplaceable when it comes to dealing with natural disasters, be they floods, fires or hurricanes. It is estimated that the number of Brazilians who will be exposed to the consequences of climate change will be 6.5 million by 2030*, and the need for more modern helicopters is already in the public debate. It is recognised that climate change has a direct impact on the number, nature and strength of adverse weather events. While Brazil has generally been largely spared from earthquakes, eruptions or hurricanes, a study** shows that overflowing rivers, sudden torrential rains, forest fires, along with landslides are the most frequent and costly catastrophes for the country, with a 60% prevalence per year compared to other crises. “Latin America in general is facing increasingly violent and frequent natural disasters, in many cases linked to the El Niño phenomenon,” explains Alberto Robles, Head of Latin America at Airbus Helicopters. “But in the case of Brazil, its enormous size and difficult access to some populations make helicopters even more essential, and a greater number of helicopters are needed to cover the country.” A versatile solutionIn Brazil today, the response to natural disasters is managed by various agencies such as the Ministry of Defence, Minister of Environment or the various state fire and police forces. The general view is that few agencies can afford helicopters only for specific emergency response tasks, but instead need versatile platforms that can be adapted to a multitude of missions depending on the need. Another prevailing opinion is the need for many units in order to spread them throughout the country and cover a maximum area, since Brazil is a country of 8.5 million square kilometres, an area more than 13 times the size of France. The south and the Atlantic coast are the most vulnerable regions: in the last 12 months alone, five tropical cyclones have been recorded in the south of the country.

H145, the guardian angel of many countriesIf there is one helicopter that has established itself in recent years as the multi-role platform par excellence, it is the H145.  In addition to the almost 500 Lakota units already in the possession of the US armed forces, customers such as the French civil security force, the German armed forces or, in Latin America, the Ecuadorian and Honduran governments, have chosen it – among other things – for its quick configuration time of just 10 minutes, depending on the mission: from firefighting with a Bambi Bucket®, to medical evacuation with two stretchers or search and rescue with a hoist. “We are convinced that the best option for Brazil’s multi-purpose needs is a platform like the H145, manufactured locally, with support in close proximity to operators, and above all, that provides the protection and support that the population needs to face what lies ahead.”

When catastrophe is unprecedentedAfter a week of historic storms and torrential rains in early May this year, Brazil’s southernmost state of Rio Grande do Sul suffered immense flooding that included the collapse of dams and landslides, causing an environmental and humanitarian catastrophe. Nearly 180 people died and more than 2.3 million people were affected by what the government called a “climatic catastrophe”. Military operators, parapublic agencies, as well as civilian customers such as OMNI and Helisul, used their helicopters for search, rescue, evacuation and transport of essential materials. In total, 56 Airbus helicopters flew around 2,000 hours to assist victims, day and night. Helibras sent a support team to the Canoas Air Force base, at the heart of the tragedy, to provide 24-hour support to operators who needed to get the best out of their helicopters. For its part, the Airbus Foundation donated helicopter flight hours to the Red Cross organisation for aerial coordination and transport of emergency personnel.*Climate Adaptation Platform **Climate Change Knowledge Portal