VIVAERO

Bavarian police receive H145 with rotor blade tips lighting

The Bavarian police helicopter squadron will be the first operator of the H145 in a new police helicopter configuration, which in addition to a new mission system, the special equipment also includes rotor tip lighting.

In December 2021, the Bavarian Ministry of the Interior ordered eight H145-D3s for the Bavarian Police Helicopter Squadron from Airbus Helicopters. The manufacturer is developing a new configuration for police helicopters, and the Bavarian police will become the first operator of this new configuration.

The equipment also includes lighting of the tips of the rotor blades, which until now were only found in military helicopters. On the one hand, this increases safety on the ground, as the rotor circle is clearly visible to all bystanders during a night landing or relaunch, and on the other hand, it is also a safety gain for crews, for example. , in rescuing missing or injured people at night in the mountains. The lighting is compatible with standard night vision devices, said Axel Humpert, senior vice president and head of the H145 program at Airbus Helicopters, during a presentation at the manufacturer in Marignane, days before Heli-Expo (March 6-9, 2023 ).

The H145's additional equipment for the Bavarian police includes a new mission system on which all information from the onboard sensors converges. The new mission system includes a 17-inch (43.2 cm) folding operator console in the copilot's side instrument panel.

A new powerful searchlight and a state-of-the-art rescue winch complete the equipment. The winch is faster and can handle a larger load. Corresponds to the latest regulations. For example, a double gear is built-in, which prevents the winch cable from coming loose and getting caught in the main rotor if the cable breaks. In addition, the winch's maintenance intervals (TBO) have been increased, so it can also score with lower operating costs. Airbus Helicopters developed the winch in cooperation with the company Vincorion de Wedel, which also produces it.

According to current planning, the first H145 for the Bavarian police helicopter squadron will be delivered next year. By this time, the H145 with the new configuration should be the most modern police helicopter in the world.