H145M
The battlefield support helicopter
The H145M is a medium-sized military multi-role helicopter capable of performing a wide spectrum of missions with a common platform, from transport, SAR, and medevac to armed scout.
This high-performance, versatile, rugged and reliable helicopter can be equipped with a large range of equipment and provides outstanding mission flexibility to military operators.
Considered as the reference in its civil version for law enforcement organizations and military services, the H145 is in service in the US Army, which operate its UH-72A Lakota version.
Superior performance for multirole missions
A key feature of the H145M is the wide range of available optional mission equipment packages that can be rapidly installed and removed, based on the requirements of the mission. Within minutes, the aircraft can be reconfigured from troop transport with seats to a search and rescue mission with rescue hoist and stretchers, or to armed scout with a set of weapons and ballistic protection.
The H145M’s power, range, endurance and payload capability provide a variety of deployment possibilities, especially when operating in sand and dust and in high and hot conditions at altitudes of 6,000 feet and temperatures of 95° F.
Mission readiness of the H145M is furthered by the rotorcraft’s two Safran Arriel 2E engines with dual-channel full authority digital engine controls (FADEC) and an upgraded transmission.
HForce for fire power and accuracy
The H145M can be equipped with Airbus’ HForce weapons system – an incremental, modular and cost-efficient weapon system that can be used on any military version of Airbus’ civil helicopter range (H125M, H145M and H225M).
Three different packages are available which increase the capability of the aircraft, from ballistic firing through helmet mounted display, to ballistic firing through electro-optical system (EOS) or guided weapons firing.
Rugged and high tech
The H145M’s compact airframe provides a low profile, enhanced by the helicopter’s agility in flight and designed-in system redundancy.
Contributing to its survivability are self-sealing fuel tanks, ballistic protection and infrared suppressor, along with crashworthiness designed into the fuselage and seats.
The electronic warfare system and chaff/flare dispensers bring an extra level of protection in high-threat environments.
The H145M is equipped with a modern digital glass cockpit (Airbus’ advanced Helionix® avionics suite), is night vision-goggle compatible, and has a 4-axis digital autopilot that drastically reduces pilot workload.
Enhancements include an upgraded transmission system and incorporation of Airbus’ signature Fenestron® shrouded tail rotor for improved anti-torque control.
In service as the US Army’s light utility helicopter, the UH-72A Lakota version has demonstrated an availability rate of greater than 90%.
Cost effective
Optimised maintenance and high reliability are key factors for cost effectiveness in demanding operations.
Light attack
The flexible weapon management system enables armies around the world to complement their fleets with specialised versions of light attack helicopters. The qualification of HForce for use on the H145M is planned for 2018.
Transport and utility
For troop transport and utility missions, the H145M's unobstructed flat floor can accommodate two pilots and 10 troops, who can embark/disembark through both sides and the rear clamshell doors. They are afforded excellent exterior visibility through large side windows, along with windows integrated in the clamshell door.
Mission equipment packages include a fast rope system, cargo hooks and hoists.
The high-set main rotor and Fenestron® shrouded tail rotor provide unparalleled safety, access in confined landing zones, and loading/unloading of cargo, passengers and patients while the rotors are turning.
Intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance
The optimised ratio of the cabin volume to the ground footprint – along with its low sound levels and the reduced infrared signature – makes the H145M a discreet and efficient platform, well suited to intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR) operations.
Maritime security
The added value of the 4-axis autopilot combined with a weather and search radar, emergency floats, a life raft and an emergency locator transmitter (ELT), allow the H145M to fulfill day and night maritime security missions.
These include exclusive economic zone surveillance and control; maritime counter-terrorism/piracy; ship replenishment; and search and rescue (SAR) and medical evacuation at sea, among others.
Photos and videos
The successful capability enhancement for the H145M continues. In the first weeks of December 2017, Airbus Helicopters demonstrated the ability to fire laser guided rockets (FZ275 LGR from Thales) with its new H145M platform at the Älvdalen test range of the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration Flight test Centre.
