The WA Police Force has ordered one H145 helicopter, making it the first Australian customer to operate the five bladed H145 variant.
Airbus is offering the H145M for the Special Forces helicopter requirement under Land 2097 Phase 4.
Purchased to replace WA Police’s BK117 helicopter, and to operate alongside the AS365 N3+, this H145 includes single-pilot and instrument flight rules along with a night vision goggles capability integrated with the on-board police mission system. The helicopter also includes Airbus’ Helionix avionics suite and 4-axis autopilot system.
The new aircraft will be based in Perth and will service the entire state.
“We thank the WA Police Force for the opportunity to support its critical operations with our latest five-bladed H145 offering,” Andrew Mathewson, Managing Director, Airbus Australia Pacific, said. “The H145 is well regarded as a reference law enforcement helicopter, and we are proud to be able to configure the aircraft to include the mobile policing command post to enhance the capability of the WA Police Force, both in the air and on the ground.”
“Not only have we sourced an exceptional helicopter and flying command post for the vast State of WA, we are also partnering with a global aviation company who has an extensive local footprint in Australia, ensuring our fleet availability,” WA Minister for Police Michelle Roberts said.
Airbus’ offering for Land 2097 Phase 4 is the M-version of the H145, currently in use by the German Special Forces.
Their team includes Safran Helicopter Engines for engine support, QinetiQ Australia for verification and validation work and mission trainers, Toll Helicopters, Rafael, Thales Australia, Sigma Bravo for mission planning and a company called Helicopter Logistics from WA.