The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has placed an order for six additional Airbus H145 helicopters in a deal worth £122 million ($152 million).
These helicopters will be utilized for emergency response duties in Cyprus and to support UK military training in jungle warfare in Brunei. The new helicopters will replace the existing Airbus Pumas that are currently performing these roles.
The helicopters will be delivered in 2025 and will serve alongside 29 H135s and seven H145s at the Defence Helicopter Flying School. This is where all UK military pilots are trained as part of the UK Military Flying Training System (MFTS) at RAF Shawbury. The larger H145 fleet should lead to a reduction in pilot conversion training time and will also bring down support costs.
The most recent version of the H145 introduces an innovative five-bladed rotor to the multimission H145 helicopter, resulting in an increased useful load capacity of 150 kg. The new bearingless main rotor design is simple to maintain, and it improves serviceability, reliability, and flight comfort for both passengers and crew.
The H145 helicopter is powered by two Safran Arriel 2E engines and comes equipped with a full authority digital engine control (FADEC) system and the Helionix digital avionics suite. It features a high-performance four-axis autopilot that enhances safety and reduces pilot workload. Additionally, it has an exceptionally low acoustic footprint, making it the quietest helicopter in its class. It also emits the lowest levels of CO2 among its competitors.
Airbus Helicopters in the UK Managing Director Lenny Brown said: “We congratulate the MoD on this smart acquisition which simultaneously provides the right-sized helicopter for the Cyprus and Brunei requirements, represents excellent value for the UK taxpayer, and is another key step in the rationalisation of types in the transport helicopter fleet.”
“The H145 Jupiter, and its sister H135 Juno, continue to demonstrate exceptional reliability and versatility in the training role in the Military Flying Training System (MFTS) and will bring these crucial attributes to their new tasks.”
