The Swiss Air-Rescue Service Rega has ordered a second batch of 12 five-bladed H-145 helicopters to be operated from its mountain bases. They will replace the current fleet of AW-109SP helicopters. This new order follows an initial contract for nine units, announced in March this year. By 2026, Rega will operate an all-Airbus fleet consisting of 21 five-bladed H-145s.
 
The five-bladed H-145s will come equipped with a state-of-the-art navigation system, especially tailored to the operator’s needs that will enhance the mission capabilities and the safety of operations. The system will use new capabilities of the Flight Management System GTN750 Xi by Garmin. It will integrate and control a multi-sensor system that provides highly accurate and reliable navigation capacities. Even in the event of GPS signal loss, the helicopter will navigate safely thanks to Thales’ inertial navigation system. This solution will further boost the navigation performance in low IFR conditions and allows the helicopter to be certified as navigation procedure RNP-AR 0.1, which is the most accurate navigation procedure in the helicopter environment. The configuration also includes a new hoist by Vincorion that is being certified on the five-bladed H-145, ensuring highest safety standards.
 
Rega operates 14 HEMS stations in Switzerland. Last year, the helicopter crews carried out 14,330 missions, including transporting 471 COVID patients.
 
 The new version of Airbus’ H-145 light twin-engine helicopter adds a new, innovative five-bladed rotor to the multi-mission aircraft, increasing the useful load of the helicopter by 150kg. 
 
In total, there are more than 1,600 H145 family aircraft in service, logging a total of more than seven million flight hours. Powered by two Safran Arriel 2E engines, the H-145 is equipped with Full authority digital engine control (FADEC) and the Helionix digital avionics suite. It includes a high performance 4-axis autopilot, increasing safety and reducing pilot workload.