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Airbus Helicopters H145 (EC145)

2002 MODERN AIRCRAFT

History of Airbus Helicopters H145 (EC145)

The Eurocopter EC145 is a light to medium transport helicopter manufactured under the Airbus Helicopters (formerly Eurocopter/Eurocopter Group) label. The supply system has proven popular in both military and civilian environments and has proven to be a powerful lifter.

The first flight of the prototype was recorded on June 12, 1999, and it was launched in 2002. Production is underway, including manufacturing U.S. Army/Navy UH-72 Lakotas in the United States.

The EC145 originated from the MBB/Kawasaki BK117 model series that debuted in 1982, and is similar in appearance and overall configuration.

The EC145 features a configuration unique to transport helicopters. Its most notable feature was its raised tailstock, which allowed the use of a clamshell two-door system at the rear of the fuselage. This allows unobstructed access to the cabin, which is useful in medical transport roles.

In addition, there are sliding side doors in the cabin, and the two pilots use traditional car-style doors at the front. The visibility from the cockpit is excellent thanks to the use of large cabin windows. The landing gear is a simple anti-skid device that can land on almost any surface.

The main rotor is located on top of the engine compartment, which in turn is mounted above the passenger compartment as usual. The tail rotor consists of a twin-blade unit mounted on the vertical main stabilizer fins. Two outer fins are also used.

The cockpit is fully digital and the avionics are state-of-the-art, allowing the EC145 to be marketed across multiple industries, including maritime services, VIP passenger transport and emergency medical transport. The cabin can accommodate nine or medical patients, associated equipment and staff.

It is powered by 2 Turbomeca Arriel 1E2 turboshaft engines, each with 738 hp. Top speed is 167 mph and cruising speed is around 150 mph. Range is up to 530 miles, service is capped at 17,200 feet, and climb rate is 1,600 feet per minute.

EC145 Designated base transport model, powered by a Turbomeca Arriel 1E2 turboshaft engine with exposed twin-blade tail rotor. The EC145 T2 is an upgraded model now offered based on the original EC145, but with new engines, avionics and a ducted fenestron tail rotor unit. The first airworthiness form was handed over to the German Air Ambulance operation in late July 2014.

The EC645 T2 is a militarized version of the EC145 T2. The EC145 also makes up the US military's UH-72A "Lakota" series, detailed elsewhere on this page.

EC145 operators include Brazil, France, Germany, Ukraine, UK, US, etc. Some 34 countries use civilian and military versions of this type.

Elbut Systems of Israel has ordered two H145 units to be converted for the Israel Police Service (along with four H125 systems). It will be put into use in 2016.

Specification

Basic

Year:

2002

Status:

active, on duty

Staff:

Production

[750 units]:

Airbus Helicopters (Eurocopter) - France

Roles

- Traffic

- Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC)

- Search and Rescue (SAR)

Dimensions

Length:

42.65 ft (13 m)

Width:

36.09 ft (11 m)

Height:

11.32 ft (3.45 m)

Weight

Curb Weight:

4,000 kg

MTOW:

7,900 kg

(difference: +8,598 pt)

Performance

2 x Turbomeca Arriel 1E2 turboshaft engines, each producing 740 hp, driving a four-blade main rotor and a ducted tail rotor.

Performance

Maximum Speed:

168 mph (270 km/h; 146 knots)

Service Limit:

17,224 ft (5,250 m; 3.26 mi)

Maximum range:

531 miles (855 km; 462 nmi)

Rate of climb:

488 m/min

Armor

Military versions armed with gun pods, cannon pods, and rocket pods to fulfill the armed scout / reconnaissance and airborne fire support roles. Weapons are held outboard on either side of the fuselage.