DRF Luftrettung has welcomed the 40th Airbus H145 helicopter to its fleet at the Airbus Helicopters production site in Donauwörth, marking a further step in the consistent fleet renewal of the German aeromedical non-profit organisation, which operates Europe’s most modern fleet in civil air rescue and has comprehensive expertise in the operation and maintenance of the H145.

Roman Morka, chief technology officer of DRF Luftrettung, acknowledges the successful partnership with Airbus at the handover ceremony: “We received the world's first aircraft of this type in 2014 and put it into service in 2015. Our thanks go to Airbus Helicopters for the long-standing and trusting cooperation. Over the past 10 years, the H145 has impressively demonstrated its optimal suitability for the challenging conditions of modern air rescue, particularly in missions in the dark and highly complex transports between hospitals. With Airbus Helicopters, we know we have a strong and reliable partner at our side, with whom we can also implement innovations and further developments that continually advance the work of our crews.”

Thomas Hein, sales director for Europe at Airbus Helicopters, emphasises the long-standing partnership between DRF Luftrettung and Airbus Helicopters: “We thank DRF Luftrettung for its continued trust in Airbus Helicopters, our products, our service and especially in the H145, whose history is closely linked to DRF Luftrettung. All of us at Airbus Helicopters are proud of this cooperation and of supporting DRF Luftrettung with our helicopters and services in its important mission of saving lives 365 days a year.”

The helicopter was transferred to DRF Luftrettung's maintenance facility at Karlsruhe/Baden-Baden airport. All necessary installations will be completed there over the next eight weeks before the aircraft enters base operations. The aircraft mechanics and avionics engineers are implementing a total of 18 modifications to the aircraft, 15 of which are proprietary developments by DRF Luftrettung. In addition, the medical equipment for the H145 cabin is being installed, enabling crews to provide comprehensive care at the scene of even the most serious injuries and illnesses.

Last year, DRF Luftrettung retired the last EC135 from its fleet. Since then, it has operated exclusively with H135 and H145 helicopters. Focusing on these two models reflects the highest quality standards for patient wellbeing and increased efficiency in its fleet strategy: This allows for standardised training for pilots, technicians and medical personnel to ensure interoperability, and personnel can be flexibly transferred to other stations if necessary.

Thanks to their larger dimensions and higher payload capacity, the H145 aircraft are ideally suited for ‘dual-use’ operations, including for rapid primary emergency rescue and highly complex secondary transportation between hospitals. This allows additional personnel, such as paediatricians, and extensive medical supplies to be transported. The H145 is also perfectly suited for missions in the dark, where two pilots are in the cockpit.