Maritime
Airbus helicopters are proven in operations including search and rescue, exclusive economic zone (EEZ) surveillance and control, maritime counter-terrorism, anti-piracy, and deployment of boarding parties, in addition to medical and casualty evacuation.
Light and medium helicopters
The light twin-engine H145M and the medium twin-engine Panther AS565 MBe respond to today’s maritime mission needs, and are ready to meet the evolving requirements of tomorrow, in blue water operations and in coastal zones.
The H145M’s performance, payload, size and equipment are ideally suited to littoral and maritime roles such as such as reconnaissance, boarding, and enforcement. It is the platform of choice for many public service and rescue organisations who appreciate its ruggedness, interior cabin space and availability. The H145M is engineered for the highest levels of safety and survivability in adverse or complex conditions. The US Army’s fleet of Lakota aircraft have seen greater than 90 percent availability during their service.
The AS565 MBe is the recognised benchmark for medium-sized maritime helicopters – flying around-the-clock on missions in the United States, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East and other regions.
Heavy helicopters
Airbus’ twin-engine Cougar H215M and Caracal H225M – the military counterparts of the civil Super Puma family – have continually evolved in response to changing maritime missions and threats.
This helicopter family’s rugged airframe and rotor system is enhanced by state-of-the-art avionics that include Airbus’ 4-axis autopilot. With their modern cockpits and night vision goggle compatibility, these rotorcraft are ready for all weather operations 24/7, including flight in icing conditions.
The helicopters’ range provides long endurance for extended-duration missions and search and rescue duties, while their payload capability gives excellent capacity for ship vertical replenishment (VERTREP), delivering equipment to disabled vessels, and deploying boarding parties. They are capable of performing the full spectrum of maritime security missions and have all appropriate equipment options.
Specialised helicopters
The NH90’s NFH version is a ship-based compact maritime helicopter, one of the primary maritime weapon systems for any surface fleet.
The twin-engine NH90 NFH (NATO Frigate Helicopter) has been developed by Europe’s NHIndustries partnership (Airbus Helicopters, Leonardo Helicopters, and Fokker Aerostructures) as a primary maritime weapon system in a surface fleet’s defence, with complementary missions including VERTREP, casualty evacuation, counter-terrorism, anti-piracy, maritime surveillance and utility support.
Mission equipment for the rotorcraft includes a 4-axis autopilot, the NFH tactical mission control system and a naval tactical 360-degree radar. It also features a tactical forward-looking infrared (FLIR) sensor that is interfaced with the helicopter’s radar and navigation system. The rotorcraft’s digital data link facilitates information exchange with land-based, airborne and seaborne platforms.
Safe operations in day or night and adverse weather conditions are facilitated by the NH90’s advanced navigation and ship landing aids, complemented by a harpoon decklock system.
As an excellent search and rescue platform, the NH90 NFH is equipped with a fully capable rescue hoist and can accommodate a hoist operator, diver and up to 25 survivors in the large cabin.
