The German Bundeswehr and Airbus Helicopters have signed a contract for the purchase of up to 82 multi-role H-145M helicopters (62 firm orders plus 20 options). This is the largest order ever placed for the H-145M and consequently the largest for the HForce weapon management system. The agreement also includes seven years of support and services. The German Army will receive fifty-seven helicopters, while the Luftwaffe's special forces will receive five.
 
The H-145M is a multi-role military helicopter that provides a broad range of mission capabilities. Within minutes, it can be reconfigured from a light attack role with axial ballistic and guided weapons and a state-of-the-art self-protection system into a special operations version including fast rappelling equipment. The comprehensive mission packages include hoisting and external cargo capabilities. Additionally, the new German aircraft includes options for future mission capabilities including the ability to operate with the integration of Manned-Unmanned Teaming and upgraded data links and communication systems.
 
The basic version of the ordered H-145Ms will be equipped with fixed provisions, including the weapon management system, HForce, developed by the helicopter industry. This allows the Bundeswehr to train its pilots on the same type of helicopter that is used for operation and combat. Costly type transfers are eliminated and the highest level of professionalisation will be achieved.
 
The model is the military version of the light twin-engine H-145 helicopter. The global fleet of the H-145 family has now accumulated more than seven million flight hours. It is used by armed and law enforcement forces around the world for the most demanding missions. The Bundeswehr already operates 16 H-145M LUH SOF and 8 H-145 LUH SAR helicopters. The US Army employs almost 500 units from the H-145 family under the name of UH-72 Lakota. Current operators of the H-145M are Hungary, Serbia, Thailand and Luxembourg; Cyprus has ordered six aircraft.
 
Powered by two Turbomeca Arriel 2E engines, it is equipped with Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC). In addition, it is equipped with the Helionix digital avionics suite which, alongside innovative flight data management, includes a high-performance 4-axis autopilot, which considerably reduces pilot workload during missions. Its particularly low acoustic footprint makes it a quiet helicopter in its class.

See for details AVIONEWS.