Airbus has received an order for 12 five-bladed H145 helicopters from Swiss Air-Rescue Service Rega to replace its current fleet of AW109SP aircraft.
The new order follows an initial contract for nine H145s, announced in March 2022. By 2026, Rega expects to operate an all-Airbus fleet consisting of 21 five-bladed H145s.
Features of the H145 includes 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, Thales inertial navigation system will help the helicopter navigate safely.
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 believed to be 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 H145, ensuring highest safety standards.
Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters, said: “To effectively operate life-saving air rescue services in Switzerland, we understand that the ability to perform optimally at altitude is paramount. The five-bladed H145 landed on the Aconcagua in Argentina, a mountain that is nearly 7,000 metres high – no other twin-engine helicopter has ever achieved this feat. That is why we are especially proud that Rega has put its faith in the five-bladed H145 and decided to make it the only helicopter type in its fleet to perform such critical missions.”
Ernst Kohler, CEO of Rega, commented: “By selecting the five-bladed H145, we are ensuring that Rega will continue being able to provide its patients with reliable and professional medical assistance by air for the next 15 years.”
