Western Australia Police Minister Paul Papalia, along with Police Commissioner Col Blanch, welcomed the arrival of Australia’s first Airbus five-bladed H145 helicopter on 26 July, to support police operations in the state.
The aircraft is the first of two ordered by WA Police Force, which becomes the first law enforcement jurisdiction in the southern hemisphere to fly these helicopters.
“The H145 provides a significant capability uplift that will enable our people to enforce the law, prevent crime, and manage and coordinate emergencies like never before,” said Commissioner of WA Police Force Col Blanch, speaking at the aircraft unveiling ceremony.
“Seconds count when providing timely and quality responses to calls for help. The H145’s enhanced technology gives it better take-off performance and the aircraft’s ability to respond quickly and provide evidence quality, real-time tactical situational awareness to officers on the ground, will facilitate improved decision making and response.”
The new H145 offers a range of capabilities for the WA Police Force, including single-pilot and instrument flight rules, and night vision. The H145 is fitted with a fully integrated police mission system, as well as Airbus’ Helionix avionics suite and 4-axis autopilot system.
“Airbus’ five-bladed H145 has set new standards for mission performance globally, with an unrivalled power margin and ‘useful load’ ratio. Because these requirements are essential for police and first responders, our teams have worked closely with the WA Police Force to ensure this platform best meets their needs,” said Stephen Forshaw, Airbus Chief Representative for Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific.
“We are extremely proud of the fact that the WA Police Force, which is responsible for the world’s largest single police jurisdiction, has selected the H145 and are excited to see the impact that Australia’s first five bladed H145 will have on the Force’s critical operations,” added Forshaw.
The second H145 is due to arrive by the end of 2023. Combined, the two Airbus H145s will help provide platform commonality, and generate operational efficiencies for WA Police Force.