The Norwegian Air Ambulance Foundation has taken delivery of the first five-bladed H145 from Airbus Helicopters. This new version of the H145 light twin increases its useful load by 150 kg while delivering new levels of comfort, simplicity and connectivity. It received certification from EASA in June and is now ready to take on a wide variety of missions.

“We're proud to be the first operator to use the new five-bladed H145 for our research and development projects,” says Hans Morten Lossius, secretary general of the Norwegian Air Ambulance Foundation. “The increased useful load and the smooth flight make the new H145 the perfect choice for these purposes, which aim to further push the boundaries and enhance helicopter emergency medical services in Norway and in the whole air ambulance community.”

“I would like to thank the Norwegian Air Ambulance Foundation for its trust in our helicopters and especially in the H145 family of helicopters. I can't wait to see this new version in operation, contributing to the success of life-saving missions,” adds Bruno Even, Airbus Helicopters CEO. “Our teams have worked hard to bring this enhanced multi-mission helicopter to the market quickly.”

The Norwegian Air Ambulance Foundation, founded by Norwegian doctor Jens Moe in 1978, is the mother company and owner of the Norwegian Air Ambulance (Norsk Luftambulanse). It brought HEMS to Norway by opening a first base near Oslo, using a BO105 helicopter rented from Germany. Today, the organisation operates all 13 HEMS bases in Norway and all four bases in Denmark using a 100 per cent Helionix-equipped fleet of H135s and H145s. This helicopter is dedicated to support the Foundation's important work to improve the HEMS operations.

The new version of the H145 was unveiled at Heli-Expo 2019 in Atlanta with launch customers announced for all civil and parapublic mission segments. Certification by the FAA is under review and expected soon. The H145 is developed jointly with Kawasaki Heavy Industries. The first delivery by the Japanese cooperation partner is scheduled for early next year.

Powered by two Safran Arriel 2E engines, the H145 is equipped with full authority digital engine control (FADEC) and the Helionix digital avionics suite. It includes a high performance four-axis autopilot, increasing safety and reducing pilot workload.