Airbus has delivered two H145 helicopters to New Zealand helicopter emergency medical services company HeliOtago. These are the first two H145s in emergency medical services (EMS) configuration in the New Zealand market according to Airbus Australia Pacific managing director Andrew Mathewson.

“I'm proud that Airbus' helicopters are providing vital medical services operated by New Zealand helicopter emergency services, and assisting the communities between Christchurch and Dunedin. We are privileged to work alongside local stakeholders and play our part in supporting such lifesaving aeromedical operations as the country grows its focus on this industry.

“A key design factor of the H145 is to be able to configure it to provide medical and rescue operations for specialised emergency services. This multi-purpose helicopter is tailored for emergency medical services and law enforcement duties, along with aerial work, passenger transport including private and business aviation, and offshore operations. For multi-mission operators, the H145 can be reconfigured for different roles quickly and easily.”

The H145 has a well-established HEMS heritage with its BK117 and EC145 predecessors. Quiet and equipped with a state-of-the-art Helionix avionics suite, this twin engine helicopter offers exceptional performance along with upgraded main and tail rotor systems. This guarantees an unprecedented level of performance in both hover and one-engine inoperative conditions.

The Fenestron technology brings benefits such as improved flight and ground safety to customers, as well as reduced power demand in forward flight and lower sound and vibration levels. A redesigned tail gearbox contributes to lower maintenance costs; it incorporates a duplex tail rotor actuator and dual hydraulic circuits installed in a new damage-tolerant all-composite tail boom.

The global fleet of more than 1,400 H145s has accumulated more than five million flight hours. In New Zealand alone, there are currently 41 units deployed for aeromedical, search and rescue, utility and business aviation purposes.