Since 1 March, German air rescue provider DRF Luftrettung has been operating an Airbus H135 helicopter as the new Christoph 37 from its base in Nordhausen. Thanks to its glass cockpit, four-axis autopilot and anti-collision system, the machine ensures greater safety, which benefits patients and crews. The H135 replaces DRF's previous EC135 helicopter. With the change, the non-profit organisation is continuing to modernise its fleet.

Visually, nothing has changed: the H135 will also be seen in DRF's familiar red and white livery in the sky over Thuringia. However, a look into the cockpit shows the difference, as station manager Martin Wagner explains: "In contrast to the EC135, the H135 has a glass cockpit in which the pilots can see all important flight data on large screens and a four-axis autopilot that gives us pilots assistance in flight.” Also new is an anti-collision system that serves to avoid collisions with aircraft.

Martin Wagner is looking forward to his more modern Christoph 37, but was also satisfied with the old model: "The EC135 has served us well. In the past year alone, we flew 1,519 missions with it. However, the technical innovations of the H135 make our work a lot easier as pilots, as they ensure even more safety and that in turn helps us to be able to help people even better.”

The nationwide modernisation of the DRF Luftrettung fleet is thus being consistently continued. “We are very happy that our partner DRF Luftrettung also makes sure to invest in the safety of our patients and crews in Nordhausen,” explains Andreas Poppe from the Nordhausen branch of the German Red Cross (DRK). “We wish you a good flight and safe landings at all times.”