Airbus Helicopters has delivered the first two of a total of six H145M helicopters to the Republic of Cyprus. The remaining deliveries are scheduled to follow this year. The helicopters are operated by the Cyprus National Guard. Equipped with the Airbus HForce weapon system, the H145Ms can be used as light combat helicopters.
The weaponry includes a cannon, rockets and missiles.
“With hybrid warfare set to play an increasingly important role in future conflicts, armed forces will be looking for versatile helicopters that can fulfill a variety of important roles,” said Olivier Michalon, Executive Vice President for Airbus Helicopters’ Global Business. “In this context, the choice of the H145M is particularly prudent, and the Republic of Cyprus joins a large group of European armed forces using the H145M multi-role helicopters for a wide range of missions, including training, special operations, troop transport and light attack.”
The H145M is the military version of the proven, light twin-engine H145 helicopter, which offers a wide range of mission options. Within minutes, the helicopter can be converted from a light attack role with axial ballistic and guided armament and an advanced self-protection system to a special operations version with fast descent equipment. The comprehensive mission packages also include lifting and external load capabilities.
The H145M is powered by two Safran Arriel 2E engines and is equipped with a fully digital engine control system (FADEC). In addition, the helicopter is equipped with the Helionix digital avionics suite, which includes innovative flight data management and a powerful 4-axis autopilot that reduces the pilot’s workload during operations. Its low noise level makes the H145M one of the quietest helicopters in its class.
“With hybrid warfare set to play an increasingly important role in future conflicts, armed forces will be looking for versatile helicopters that can perform a variety of important functions.”
Olivier Michalon, Executive Vice President bei Airbus Helicopters
The H145M is in service in numerous countries. The German armed forces, for example, operate 24 H145 helicopters for special operations and search and rescue missions and has ordered up to 82 more. The US armed forces (-> current news about the US armed forces) operate almost 500 aircraft of the H145 family under the name UH-72 Lakota. Other military operators include the armed forces of Hungary, Serbia, Luxembourg, Thailand, Ecuador and Honduras.
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