Airbus has secured first of three orders from the Philippines Coast Guard for single H145 helicopter which will function in the search and rescue (SAR) as well as law enforcement missions.
The aircraft manufacturer disclosed that it is the first H145 in the Philippines.
The 4t rotorcraft will be equipped with high frequency radios, emergency flotation gear, fast roping capability, a cargo sling, a search light, and other systems consistent with the SAR, medical evacuation, maritime patrol, and law enforcement missions.
“We are honoured by the Philippine Coast Guard’s decision to introduce the country’s first parapublic H145 into its fleet, as the perfect complement to the current workhorse BO105 which has served the agency well for the past 40 years,” says Philippe Monteux, regional head for Airbus Helicopters.
Formerly known as EC145 T2, the H145 helicopter is a twin-engine multipurpose helicopter launched in March 2011 at the Heli Expo held at Orlando, Florida, United States, having completed its maiden flight in July 2010.It is an advanced version of the Eurocopter EC145, developed in association with Kawasaki Heavy Industries.
The new helicopter features an all-composite tail boom with fenestron shrouded tail rotor. It features new composite blades, duplex tail-rotor actuators and dual hydraulic circuits, along with a newly designed gearbox. The helicopter features all-composite structure and aerodynamic geometry. It also features a skid-type landing gear.
The helicopter features a spacious cabin, which can either accommodate one pilot and ten passengers, or two pilots and nine passengers. It has a total cabin volume of 213,15ft3 and cargo volume of 6,04m3. Two hinged cockpit doors are provided and a sliding window.
The cabin features two passenger sliding doors and two more rear hinged clam-shell doors. It is fitted with a ram-air and electrical ventilating system.
The H145 helicopter is powered by two powerful Arriel 2E engines manufactured by Safran Turbomeca. The engine has a take-off power of 1,038shp.
It features a dual channel full authority digital engine control (FADEC). It was certified by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) in January 2013.
The maximum cruise speed of the helicopter is 134k (248km/h), and the maximum take-off range is 370nm (680km) at sea level.
The helicopter has a maximum weight of 3,650kg (8,047lb). It has a useful load capacity of 1,731kg (3,816lb) and a maximum cargo sling load capacity of 1,500kg (3,307lb).
The H145 is expected to replace the BO105C which will retire from service soon after repeat orders for two others are placed and delivered.
