The German Ministry of the Interior has taken its first deliveries of 16 bright orange painted EC135T2i air rescue helicopters. The ministry says: "Over the next two years, 12 air rescue sites will be equipped with these aircraft. The EC135 is the latest generation of civil defence helicopters and will replace in service BO105 helicopters."

The Ministry and the German federal police operate a fleet of ten Alouette II, 25 EC135s, 15 EC155s, eight Bell 212s, 11 Pumas and eight Super Pumas. They are deployed on police and national security operations with 16 BO105s used for air rescue. The ministry says the replacement programme will provide a fleet of six EC120s, 41 EC135s, 20 EC155s and

20 Super Pumas.

The upgrade will provide increased payload and takeoff power along with improved performance at high altitude and high temperatures. " EC135T2i are fitted with a night vision goggle compatible screen cockpit, GPS navigation system, rapid-change, lightweight medical equipment, double hook cargo system certified for transporting patients. They also have a world first in air rescue - the "HELLAS" active obstacle warning system," the ministry adds. More than 150 EC135s are currently in service in Europe.