The Bavarian Police in Germany has received the first upgraded H135s, which are benefitting from a retrofit package that is designed to improve the operating performance and handling qualities of the twin engine rotorcraft. The retrofit programme is designed to bring previously-built models of the EC135 to the performance and safety standards of Airbus Helicopters' newest version, the H135.

During the past few weeks the rotorcraft have been deployed on a variety of missions including the recent G7 summit in Bavaria. The resulting gain in safety was especially evident during flights at night and in the difficult, mountainous terrain. Three of the law enforcement agency's eight helicopters are complete and have entered service, with the remaining five to be converted and delivered in the next few months. The retrofits are being applied at the manufacturer's production facility in Donauwörth, Germany.

Among the modifications are an enlarged main rotor with improved blade profiles, the transfer of front-mounted engine air intakes to a lateral position, and augmented engine capacities.