STARS, a physician-driven non-profit helicopter air ambulance organisation serving western Canada, has taken delivery of two new twin-engine H145 helicopters, which continues the company's multi-year fleet renewal programme for nine new helicopters. The four remaining helicopters to be delivered will arrive in the new five-bladed configuration, beginning later this year.

STARS' H145 helicopters, fitted with HEMS interiors, will support the company in providing a safe, rapid, highly specialised emergency medical transport for the critically ill and injured, many of whom are located in rural areas.

“We're about halfway through our H145 deliveries, and having them in our fleet has already been a game changer for our operations,” says David Harding, chief aviation officer. “This platform is uniquely suited for our demanding HEMS operations, and we really look forward to getting our first five-bladed variants later this year and the increased performance and capabilities they will bring.”

The H145 was chosen following an extensive competitive process thanks to its cutting-edge technology, advanced safety features and exceptional HEMS heritage. Offering the largest cabin in its class and ‘unbeatable’ payload, the H145 is perfectly suited for STARS' mission requirements.

Meanwhile Airbus' five-bladed H145 helicopter has received its certification from TCCA, following both EASA and American FAA certification in 2020. The first five-bladed H145 delivery in Canada is scheduled to take place mid-2021 to an air medical customer, and an additional order from a multi-mission operator was placed at the end of last year.

“The enhanced performance capabilities of the new five-bladed H145 will help to further mission success for our customers in Canada, and we stand ready to support its upcoming entry into service,” says Dwayne Charette, president and COO of Airbus Helicopters Canada. “We are grateful to the team at Transport Canada for enabling us to meet this important milestone, while mitigating various challenges linked to the global pandemic we all continue to face.”

This type certification covers the full range of capabilities, including single pilot instrument flight rules (IFR) and single engine operations (Cat.A/VTOL), along with night vision goggle capability. This newest version of the H145 family adds an innovative five-bladed rotor system to the multi-mission H145, increasing the useful load of the helicopter by 330 lbs (150 kg). The new bearingless main rotor design will also simplify maintenance operations, further improving the benchmark serviceability and reliability of the H145, while improving ride comfort for passengers and crew.

Particularly suited to high altitude environments, the H145 set its skids down during a test campaign on the Aconcagua, the highest mountain in the Southern Hemisphere, further proving its capabilities in harsh conditions. Powered by two Safran Arriel 2E engines, the H145 is equipped with FADEC and Airbus's own Helionix digital avionics suite.