Airbus H145 Helicopters Chosen by HTM for Offshore Wind Transport Solutions

Airbus H145 Helicopters Chosen by HTM for Offshore Wind Transport Solutions

(IN BRIEF) HTM Helicopters has initiated an order for an Airbus H145 helicopter, with an option for two more of the same model, to bolster their fleet for offshore wind operations along the coasts of Germany and France. Bernd Brucherseifer, Managing Director for HTM Helicopters, highlighted the necessity of expanding their fleet due to the evolving demands of offshore wind projects, emphasizing the H145’s exceptional performance and reliability. Axel Humpert, Senior Vice President of the H145 Programme at Airbus, commended HTM’s continued trust in Airbus helicopters, citing the H145’s suitability for offshore missions. HTM’s fleet, which currently comprises 18 Airbus helicopters, will see an addition of eight H145 helicopters with this order. The H145’s innovative design, featuring a five-bladed rotor, enhances its payload capacity and maintenance efficiency, further solidifying its position as a top choice for offshore operations. With over 1,675 H145 helicopters in service worldwide, powered by Safran Arriel 2E engines and equipped with advanced avionics, the H145 continues to lead in safety, efficiency, and environmental sustainability in its class.

(PRESS RELEASE) BERLIN, 6-Jun-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — HTM Helicopters has announced a strategic move in bolstering its fleet, confirming an order for one Airbus H145 helicopter, with options for an additional two units of the same model. This acquisition underscores the company’s commitment to enhancing its capabilities in offshore wind operations, specifically in ferrying technicians and equipment to wind farm turbines situated off the shores of Germany and France.

Bernd Brucherseifer, Managing Director for HTM Helicopters, emphasized the rationale behind this decision, citing the evolving demands of offshore wind projects over the past decade. “Over the past 15 years in the offshore wind business, we’ve seen projects move further out from the coast and require additional payload which has led us to add additional H145s to our fleet,” he stated.

Brucherseifer highlighted the H145’s versatility, reliability, and ease of maintenance as pivotal factors contributing to its suitability for the operation and maintenance phase in offshore wind ventures.

Axel Humpert, Senior Vice President and Head of the H145 Programme at Airbus, echoed Brucherseifer’s sentiments, emphasizing the H145’s aptness for offshore wind missions owing to its ample capacity for passengers and cargo, as well as its exceptional hover performance for hoisting operations.

This order marks another milestone in the enduring partnership between HTM Helicopters and Airbus. HTM was notably the first operator to deploy a five-bladed H145 for offshore wind operations in 2021, and their aircraft was subsequently involved in a groundbreaking trial conducted by Airbus in late 2023, which saw the hoisting of two crew members into the nacelles of floating wind turbines in Hywind Tampen.

With the addition of the newly ordered helicopter, HTM’s H145 fleet will expand to eight helicopters, with the option for further growth. Five of these H145s will be dedicated to supporting offshore missions, further solidifying HTM’s position as a key player in the offshore wind sector.

The latest iteration of the H145 incorporates an innovative five-bladed rotor, enhancing the helicopter’s useful load by 150 kg. Airbus’ design enhancements, including a bearingless main rotor, have simplified maintenance procedures, improved serviceability and reliability, and enhanced overall flight comfort for both passengers and crew.

Globally, the H145 family of helicopters has amassed over 7.6 million flight hours across more than 1,675 units in service. Powered by two Safran Arriel 2E engines, the H145 boasts advanced features such as a full authority digital engine control (FADEC) and the Helionix digital avionics suite, which includes a high-performance 4-axis autopilot, contributing to enhanced safety and reduced pilot workload. Additionally, the H145 stands out for its remarkably low acoustic footprint and minimal CO2 emissions compared to its counterparts, further cementing its position as a leader in its class.

Media Contacts:

Laurence Petiard
Airbus Helicopters
Phone: +33 6 18 79 75 69
laurence.petiard@airbus.com

Jörg Michel
Airbus Helicopters
Phone: +49 151 264 509 97
joerg.michel@airbus.com

SOURCE: Airbus