Airbus has delivered the first H145 helicopter
for the German Armed Forces’ (Bundeswehr) search and rescue
service to the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information
Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw), several months before
the agreed deadline.
Among other features, the Airbus H145 helicopters are
equipped with high-performance cameras, searchlights, emergency
beacon locator systems, a full suite of medical equipment, rescue
winches and load hooks that can be used for fire-extinguishing
tanks, for example. They are easy to identify thanks to the
characteristic bright orange paintwork on their doors, featuring
‘SAR’ in blue lettering.
A total of seven helicopters of this type
were ordered to renew their ageing Bell UH-1D search and rescue
fleet.
The new aircraft will be
stationed at the sites in Niederstetten, Holzdorf and Nörvenich
with the last of the H145 LUH SAR (Light Utility Helicopter Search and
Rescue) helicopters will be delivered in early 2021, once training
has been completed.
“We are delighted to be able to deliver this
helicopter not only on time, but in this case even before the
contractually agreed deadline,” said Wolfgang Schoder, CEO of
Airbus Helicopters Deutschland. “The H145 helicopters already
operated by the Bundeswehr have proven themselves, in particular,
through their very high levels of operational availability. We see
a lot more possibilities for the flexible and reliable aircraft to
perform a wide range of tasks in all branches of the armed
forces.”
The Bundeswehr maintains a fleet of search and
rescue helicopters on permanent standby and is responsible for search
and rescue operations (SAR) in the event of aircraft accidents on
German territory and in national disaster management operations.
Airbus Helicopters will be responsible for
logistics support, repair, and maintenance of the helicopters.
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