Airbus delivers first H145M helicopter to the German Armed Forces
81 more to follow
Airbus Helicopters has delivered the first of up to 82 H145M helicopters to the German Bundeswehr (German Armed Forces), less than a year after the contract was signed. The delivery marks the beginning of a new era for the German military, with helicopters playing a vital role in various operations, including training, reconnaissance, special forces missions, and light attack tasks.
The contract further solidifies Airbus Helicopters’ relationship with the German Bundeswehr, ensuring the long-term serviceability of the H145M fleet through comprehensive support and maintenance.
The German Army will receive 57 helicopters, and the German Luftwaffe’s special forces units will receive five. The contract also provides the option for additional units in the future.
The Bundeswehr has officially named their new fleet of H145Ms ‘Leichter Kampfhubschrauber’ (light combat helicopter), abbreviated as LKH. The first helicopter will be used for training at the German Army’s Bückeburg base. A dedicated light attack variant is slated for delivery in 2025 as part of the contract, including comprehensive pilot training, already commenced in August 2024.
In December 2023, Airbus Helicopters and the Bundeswehr signed a historic contract worth billions, covering up to 82 multi-role H145M helicopters, including 62 firm orders and 20 options.
Significant order
This is the most significant order placed for the H145M variant and Airbus’s HForce weapon management system. The contract also includes seven years of complete support services, ensuring a seamless introduction of the helicopters into the German Armed Forces.
Stefan Thomé, Managing Director of Airbus Helicopters in Germany, commented on the swift delivery: “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.”
The H145M is a versatile, multi-role military helicopter capable of performing various missions. Within moments, it can be reconfigured from a light attack role, equipped with axial ballistic and guided weapons, to a special operations variant featuring fast rappelling equipment for urban and other environments. Additionally, it boasts hoisting and external cargo capabilities, making it an essential asset for military operations.
The helicopters are fitted with the HForce weapon management system, allowing the German Bundeswehr to train on the same platform used for real-world combat operations. This eliminates the need for costly type conversions, ensuring that pilots develop the highest level of operational proficiency.
The H145M is the military variant of the well-established H145 twin-engine helicopter, a workhorse for both civilian and military applications worldwide. The global H145 fleet has accumulated close to eight million flight hours.
The German Bundeswehr already operates 24 H145 helicopters, which are used for special forces operations and search-and-rescue missions. Numerous international military forces, including the United States Army, use the H145 family, which includes 500 H145s under UH-72 Lakota. These helicopters have amassed over 1.5 million flight hours globally.
Powered by two Turbomeca Arriel 2E engines, the H145M offers advanced performance with full authority digital engine control (FADEC), optimising engine management. The multipurpose helicopter is equipped with the Helionix digital avionics suite, which enhances flight data management and features a high-performance, 4-axis autopilot.
This system reduces pilot workload during missions and contributes to the H145M’s reputation as the quietest helicopter in its class, thanks to its shallow acoustic footprint.
With this latest delivery, Airbus Helicopters is well-positioned to continue its partnership with the German military, contributing advanced technology and expertise to help the Bundeswehr maintain its operational readiness across various missions.
Featured image: The German Bundeswehr already operates 24 H145 helicopters. Credit: Airbus Helicopters/Cara Irina Wagner
