Press Release

Issued by Airbus Helicopters Australia Pacific.

June 19, 2015

The latest example of the world's leading twin-engine helicopter in its class, the Airbus Helicopters H145, is undergoing final preparations for a month-long visit to Australian East Coast cities and towns.

As part of a global tour to demonstrate this evolutionary aircraft to rotorcraft operators worldwide, the H145 will be seen in Australia from 22 June through to late July, visiting more than 15 capital cities, regional centres and towns. It will showcase its versatility and strong performance during flight and technical demonstrations in Sydney, Brisbane, far north Queensland, Melbourne and Canberra.

The H145 is the latest word in rotary-wing flexibility and innovation. Having evolved from the popular EC145 model, the advanced H145 series incorporates new Arriel 2E engines, a ground-breaking new digital avionics suite, and a 4-axis autopilot. Offering class-leading performance, flight safety, enhanced human-machine interface, maintainability and lower operating costs, it was certified in 2014 as the latest member of Airbus Helicopters' 4-tonne, twin-engine product range.

Announcing the H145's Australian tour, Cedric Bessette director civil helicopters, Airbus Group Australia Pacific highlighted the aircraft's attributes: “Airbus Helicopters' investment in innovation has delivered an advanced helicopter with the highest safety and performance standards of any in its class, comfortably seating up to 10 passengers enjoying significantly reduced internal sound levels. The achievement is thanks to the aircraft's enclosed Fenestron tail rotor and an automatic variable rotor speed control system which, together, reduce external noise while boosting payload and range, reinforcing the H145's reputation as the quietest helicopter in the market.”

For multi-mission operators, the H145 can be reconfigured quickly and easily for a variety of different roles, including emergency medical services and police duties, aerial work and passenger transport for both business and private operators. And for more demanding operations, it can move workers and their equipment quickly and safely to remote locations, including off-shore oil drilling platforms and activities in rugged terrain.

“For the H145 innovation means enhanced safety and operational performance in challenging circumstances, wherever and whatever that might be,” Mr. Bessette said. “It is for these reasons that the H145 has a great future in our region.”