Germany-based helicopter operator and EASA Part-145 and Part-21 G/J approved organisation HTM Helicopters has taken delivery of a five-bladed H145, the first to be used in the offshore wind segment. The aircraft will be operated from bases at Norden-Norddeich, Emden, Borkum and Helgoland in Germany. Missions include passenger transport to and from wind farms and hoisting technicians to the wind-turbines, for which the helicopter is equipped with a powerful hoist, flotation equipment and a cargo hook.

“We already operate one four-bladed H145 in the offshore wind segment that has proven to be the perfect fit for our operations in often challenging environments,” says HTM pilot and managing director Bernd Brucherseifer. “The increased useful load, the smoother ride on board and the excellent OEI performance of the five-bladed version will help us to further enhance our mission capabilities.”

Along with the five-bladed rotor, this latest upgrade of the H145 has an extra 150 kg of increased useful load. The simplicity of the new bearingless main rotor design will also ease maintenance operations, further improving its benchmark serviceability and reliability while improving ride comfort for both passengers and crew.

The delivery completes an order for two additional Airbus Helicopters signed in September 2020.