Rotor Magazine 111

N o .
1 1 1 - M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 8
MISSION BEHIND THE SCENES LOGBOOK

The H145 protects HForce’s Florida EMS gets a vital
from above powerful side boost from the H155
The future is now

© Anthony Pecchi
CONTENTS
© Anthony Pecchi
FEATURED ARTICLE
The
The future
future is
is now
now
IN THE SPOTLIGHT MISSION

4/ First flight demonstration 22/ Ten Panthers in Mexican seas
for “Skyways” 24/ The H145 protects
360° from above
5/ Events at Airbus Helicopters AROUND THE WORLD
UP ABOVE 26/ A decade in La Mancha
16/ Ecureuil helicopters BEHIND THE SCENES
supervising the 2018 Dakar Rally 28/ HForce’s powerful side
Communication Director: Yves Barillé (Publication Director), Editor LIFE OF THE RANGE
in Chief: Belén Morant ([email protected]), OFF THE BEATEN TRACK
Director of photography: Jérôme Deulin, Translation: Burton, Van 18/ The H160 30/ There’s no mountain
Iersel & Whitney, Munich; Amplexor. Published by: ,
Printed by: SPI, N° ISSN 1169-9515 (Copyright Airbus Helicopters
2018, all rights reserved). Airbus Helicopters’ logo and the names of
LOGBOOK high enough for the H145
its products and services are registered
trademarks. Magazine printed on Triple Star,
20/ Florida EMS gets a vital boost
paper originating from sustainable forests. from the H155 in the Alps
For more information Follow us on Join us on Follow us on

www.airbus.com/Helicopters twitter/AirbusHeli facebook/AirbusHelicopters youtube/AirbusHelicopters
2 / ROTOR - No. 111 - MARCH/APRIL 2018

EDITORIAL
© Lorette Fabre
After five years at the head of Airbus are also opportunities to innovate and to
Helicopters, and at the point of taking up
“Bruno Even meet the ever more demanding expec-
my post chairing Airbus commercial, it will continue tations of our customers and partners.
is not without emotion that I address all Airbus Helicopters’ The digital revolution will be for Airbus
of you for the last time from the editorial transformation Helicopters – as for the whole of Airbus
page of our magazine, Rotor. Many of you – a considerable lever of advancement
know of my profound devotion to helicop-
and manage through the digitisation of our operations,
ters and the extraordinary missions that our company’s products and services. Data manage-
they help carry out. development with ment will allow us to progress in all
But it is with a great deal of confidence domains, starting with the most impor-
that I pass the baton to Bruno Even.
success.” tant: safety.
Bruno is at once a very respected Guillaume Faury I am now joining the fascinating sector of
manager and an experienced profes- commercial aviation, but be assured that
sional in our industry. I am convinced my attachment to the rotary wing world
that he will continue Airbus Helicopters’ will always remain with me. Working with
transformation and manage our compa- you has been a real pleasure for me and
ny’s development with success. a great privilege, and I will continue to
The challenges are no small matter. They follow you with the utmost interest.
ROTOR - No. 111 - MARCH/APRIL 2018 / 3

IN THE SPOTLIGHT
8 February 2018
SINGAPORE
First flight demonstration

for the parcel delivery
© S. Ramadier
Watch the video

drone, “Skyways.” on Rotor Online.

360°
QATAR
STATE OF QATAR SIGNS CONTRACT
FOR 28 NH90S
Qatar signed a contract for the purchase of 28 NH90
military helicopters on the occasion of DIMDEX, Qatar’s
biennial defense exhibition. The agreement, which
includes 16 NH90s in tactical transport (TTH) configuration
and 12 NH90s in naval (NFH) configuration, will support the
country’s plan to modernise their military helicopter fleet.
As part of the plan, Qatar will receive 16 H125 light single-
engine helicopters in training configuration for operation
by the Qatar Armed Forces Air Academy.
Leonardo will act as prime contractor for the programme
© DR
management with the end customer, while Airbus will
be responsible for the final assembly and delivery
of 16 NH90 TTH aircraft from its facility in Marignane
(France). Leonardo will be responsible for final assembly
USA
51 ADDITIONAL and delivery of the 12 NH90 NFH helicopters from its

UH-72A LAKOTAS Venice – Tessera facility in northern Italy.
FOR THE US ARMY
Airbus Helicopters, Inc. has received
two contracts valued at approximately
$389 million to deliver 51 additional
UH-72A Lakotas for the United States
Army. The contracts highlight the US
Army’s confidence in the product and
the growth capability of the Lakota
programme.
The two new contracts include the
UH-72A production aircraft, associated
technical and flight operator manuals,
and programme management for the
Initial Entry Rotary Wing mission at
Fort Rucker and for the Army’s Combat
Training Centers.
VOOM’S HELICOPTER COMMUTING

MEXICO
SERVICE LAUNCHES IN MEXICO CITY

Voom is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Airbus Helicopters
that was launched in 2016 as an on-demand helicopter
booking platform allowing passengers to request a seat on
© 2015 Airbus Group inc
a helicopter within minutes. By providing a more efficient

transportation option to daily commuters, it aims to address
challenges associated with rush-hour traffic by offering an
alternative form of transportation in some of the world’s
most congested cities.
Riders can book and take off in as little as 60 minutes or plan
their trip up to seven days in advance, and only need to arrive
at the helipad 15 minutes before boarding time. The Mexican
capital is now the world’s second city after São Paulo, Brazil,
to offer helicopter commuting services.

360°
FRANCE
FIRST DEMONSTRATOR
OF A DRONE FOR A WARSHIP
The DGA (Direction Générale de l’Armement) has just awarded a contract
for technology development in the field of rotary-wing drones to
the Naval Group and Airbus Helicopters consortium. The contract covers
de-risking studies ahead of construction of a future tactical helicopter
drone demonstrator aboard warships. The demonstration project will lead
to trials of the drone launch system, mission system and airborne vehicle,
conducted from a French Navy vessel.
© Airbus Helicopters
The purpose of the contract awarded by the DGA is to identify, deploy
and test the technologies necessary for the integration of a tactical
drone-system capacity within a heavily armed vessel. It forms part of
the preparation of the SDAM (Navy Airborne Drone System), whose
entry into service is foreseen for the middle of the next decade on new
intermediate-size frigates (FTIs) and other French Navy ships.
EUROPE
EASA ISSUES SINGLE PRODUCTION

ORGANISATION APPROVAL
TO AIRBUS HELICOPTERS
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and © Crown Copyright 2015
Airbus Helicopters have just implemented a new single
Production Organisation Approval (POA). This replaces
previous national approvals from France, Germany
and Spain by a single, integrated framework allowing for
simplified industrial exchanges between Airbus Helicopters’
manufacturing facilities, and which supports the company’s
industrial strategy of site specialisation accross Europe.
NEW SUPPORT ARRANGEMENT

KINGDOM
FOR RAF PUMA MK2

Airbus Helicopters and the UK Ministry of Defence
have signed a Follow-on Support Arrangement
contract to provide support to the Royal Air Force
UNITED
Puma 2 fleet over the planned service life of the

aircraft. The contract, worth an initial £100 million,
is the first of two pricing periods which will see
Airbus Helicopters provide full technical support
and logistics until March 2022. The contract has the
facility to be extended until the currently planned
out of service date March 2025, subject to the
agreement of both parties.
As part of the company’s support offering, Airbus
© Camille Moirenc
Helicopters will provide repair and overhaul

services in addition to a parts-by-the-hour
programme, helping to ensure high availability with
stable, value for money maintenance costs. The
contract also includes the provision of training to
all Puma avionics and mechanical technicians as
well as engineering managers.

PAKISTAN
TWO H125s HELP RESCUE CLIMBER
IN PAKISTAN
Two H125Ms were used in the rescue of a distressed climber on
Pakistan’s Nanga Parbat peak. Their transport of four members of
a rescue team to within a day’s journey saved crucial time in getting
Elisabeth Revol to safety.
The mission involved picking up four members of a rescue team
who were attempting a winter summit of another peak, K2, and
dropping them at Nanga Parbat base camp to extricate Ms. Revol,
© DR
who was suffering from high-altitude pulmonary oedema (HAPE)

and frost bite.
GERMANY
CITYAIRBUS REACHES
© Airbus
NEXT MILESTONE
The CityAirbus programme has reached another
important milestone: the completion and
“power on” of the “iron bird” ground test facility
in Taufkirchen, Germany. This enables the
verification of the entire electric propulsion system
of CityAirbus, developed by Airbus’ E-Aircraft
Systems unit.
The first full electric propulsion test bench has
the capability to operate the propulsion system
chain from flight controls to the dynamic loads
of the propellers. This allows the verification of
the electric, mechanical and thermal dynamics.
After being matured and verified on the iron bird,
the propulsion system will be embedded on the
demonstrator by mid-2018.
AUSTRALIA
AUSTRALIAN HELICOPTER AIRCREW

TRAINING SYSTEM COMMENCES TRAINING
The first group of students commenced training mid-January on the
© Christian Keller
Australian Defence Forces’ new training helicopter at HMAS Albatross,

Nowra. Up to 116 Navy and Army pilots and aircrew per year will be
trained by Boeing and Commonwealth instructors using 15 helicopters
from the H135 family. The new helicopters are replacing the Royal
Australian Navy’s AS350 BA and the Australian Army’s Bell B206 Kiowa
which have served the Australian Defence Force for over 30 and 40
years respectively. The H135 family is used extensively worldwide to
train military personnel and is considered the platform of choice for the
training of their pilots and crewmembers. These include armed forces
from Japan, the United Kingdom, Spain, Germany and now Australia.

FEATURED ARTICLES
THE FUTURE IS NOW

Change is the only constant, and adaptation the most reliable path.
Helicopters are no exception to this universal law. What would have seemed
like science fiction a few years ago has become a reality today. With three
prototypes flying, the first pre-series in the assembly line, and a roadmap
for support and services tested in real operating conditions, the H160 is now
the first helicopter of the next generation offered on the market.
The H160 combines product innovation with the innovation of its industrial
model and support planning. This helicopter has been adapted to the
demands of customers, who are looking for a silent, vibration-free helicopter
that is, above all, easy to maintain and mature when it enters into service.
Designed in the digital age, the H160 also benefits from the connected
technology of its era. It’s the helicopter of the future that’s available today.
© Anthony Pecchi

FEATURED ARTICLES
“THE H160 IS THE FIRST

HELICOPTER OF
THE NEXT GENERATION”
Programme director Bernard Fujarski takes stock of the H160.
The programme is effectively entering the home straight with
first delivery planned for the end of 2019.
Article: Monique Colonges
What are the major events that conditions. The cold weather campaign called Operator Zero dedicated to air-
occurred in 2017 concerning has allowed us to check that the H160 craft maintenance (see Rotor no. 110),
the H160 programme? copes well in extreme temperatures up were also carried out in 2017. The com-
Bernard Fujarski: The grand finale of to -35 °C, while the campaign dedicated mon aim of all these tests was ensuring
2017 was, without doubt, the takeoff to lightning indirect effects (LIE) allowed the best level of helicopter maturity for
of the third prototype in October. At us to check the design of our compos- when the H160 goes into service at the
the end of 2017, the three prototypes ite structure. From a production point end of 2019.
together had accumulated nearly of view, we received the first station of
600 flight hours. the assembly line in December. With the Which important steps will be taken
Over the course of 2017, we ran three arrival of the first centre structure, made in 2018 in the H160 programme?
major campaigns. The snow campaign in Donauwörth, we have moved from the B.F.: 2018 marks the start of the home
gave us a better understanding of air design phase to the production phase. stretch before the entry into service in
input behaviour under severe snowy On the support side, two campaigns less than two years’ time. In early 2018,
© Jerôme Deulin
The cold weather campaign was carried

out in Canada at the beginning of 2017.

The third H160 prototype will be
H160 used by the Operator Zero team
to simulate flights in completely
realistic operating conditions.
• Capacity: 1 or 2 pilots
+ up to 12 passengers
• Powerplant: 2 Safran HE
Arrano engines
• Fast cruise speed:
155 kts / 285 km/h
• Max range: > 460 NM
© Thierry Rostang
the PT2 went to the US for several What added value does the H160
months: it participated first in the Heli- offer to customers?
Expo trade fair before performing flight B.F.: The H160 is the first helicopter of
demonstrations for customers, after the next generation that combines prod-
which it will head to Dallas to carry out uct innovation, innovation in production,
flights with FAA representatives, with the and innovation in terms of support.
view to gaining American certification. The H160 is, of course, equipped with
There will also be a hot weather cam- numerous technological innovations
paign in Colorado and a new Operator which were the subject of no less than
Zero campaign with American custom- 68 patent filings, like the Blue Edge blade
ers before the aircraft comes back to which achieves better performance with
France. 2018 also marks an acceleration less environmental impact. But the H160
in delivering certification documents, will also offer customers a high level of
most of which will need to be delivered quality thanks to our development logic
© Eric Raz
by the end of the year. The two other and the verification and validation pro-
prototypes will be put through test cam- cess that allows us to be fully confident
paigns in parallel. The first pre-series in the level of maturity we can offer to
will be the first to be manufactured on a customers, as soon as the helicopter
completely new generation of assembly goes into service. What’s more, with a “We are fully confident in the
line, combining performance, quality, simplified maintenance plan, which has
ergonomics and safety (see page 12). been designed with customers, sup-
level of maturity we can offer
From a support perspective, which is ported by digital tools, and combined to customers, as soon as the
a key aspect of the H160 programme, with the HCare service, support for this helicopter goes into service.”
2018 will mark the start of production of helicopter will be a real asset in compar-
deliverables for our customers. ison to our competitors. Bernard Fujarski, Programme Director of the H160.

FEATURED ARTICLES
ASSEMBLY LINE INNOVATION

The H160’s final assembly line in Marignane reflects the aircraft it is designed
to build: high-performance, innovative and marked by excellence.
Article: Alexandre Marchand
“When designing this assembly line, our advance and thus guarantee an indus- where the work has also been optimised
aim was to create the shortest possi- trial cycle of the aircraft that is twice as to reduce cycles. This innovative and
ble assembly cycle, while also attaining short as it was for previous generations demanding industrial organisation has
a high level of industrial maturity from of aircraft.” been validated by taking advantage of
entry into service,” explains Laurence “Another benefit of using the MCAs the aircraft’s digitalisation and innovative
Béjat, Head of the H160 assembly line. is limiting the number of components simulation methods, such as RING* or
that need to be assembled on the line,” “verify and validate” (V&V) processes.
SIMPLER AND QUICKER continues Laurence Béjat. “Fewer A high level of maturity is expected as
To achieve this aim, Airbus Helicopters components make for quicker, simpler soon as the FAL comes into service,
and Latécoère (see sidebar) capital- and better-quality assembly. So we’ve where an assessment of workstation
ised on the concept of major compo- evolved from a manufacturing line to a ergonomics has made it possible to set
nent assembly (MCA) defined in the real assembly line.” the ambitious aim of zero assembly line
framework of the company’s industrial accidents.
strategy: “The H160 is divided into A HIGH LEVEL OF MATURITY Initially, the manufacture of ten pre-series
sub-assemblies, the MCAs, which are The scenario involves the MCAs con- aircraft will make it possible to check all
manufactured, equipped and tested verging towards the assembly line, the FAL’s workings. Ramp-up will occur
independently before they even arrive consisting of five assembly stations gradually until 2020 to reach an output
at the fi nal assembly line (FAL),” out- operating in a flowline. Every eight days, of 45 aircraft per year.
lines Laurence Béjat. “This simulta- the in-progress aircraft go from one
* RING: Assembly of the first series aircraft
neous execution of industrial tasks station to the next. At the end of the by rigorously following the optimal assembly
makes it possible to counter risks far in fifth station, they arrive at the flight line, sequence, with the main parties present.
An assembly line in five steps
Station 1: Delivery of MCA centre Station 2: Installation Station 3: Installation

fuselage and start of assembly with of air conditioning and cockpit of MCA main dynamic assembly
installation of harnesses avionic bay and rear fuselage

© Eric Raz
An innovative industrial tool
Drawing on the experience of Airbus’ for the operators. A platform makes it vehicles (AGVs), robotic vehicles tasked
commercial aircraft branch, Airbus possible for work to be carried out safely with moving the aircraft from one assembly
Helicopters utilised Latécoère’s know- on two levels at the same time. The supply station to another, at the end of each
how to design and build the H160 Final of parts directly to the upper zone reduces cycle, every week. It’s a job that takes just
Assembly Line (FAL). At the heart of the operator movements, which can result in five minutes, with no human involvement
FAL, five assembly stations are organised accidents and wasted time. The engines and required. Another example is the use of
around elevating tables which raise the dynamic assemblies are installed using semi- a robotic arm which can place the entire
aircraft to the optimal position, thus automatic hoists. Even more innovation avionics bay into the aircraft in just a few
providing favourable working conditions is provided in the form of automatic guided minutes and one sole movement.
Station 4: Installation Station 5: Ground test

of engine and landing gear and final quality check

FEATURED ARTICLES
THE H160’S WOW EFFECT

From EMS to VIP, the H160 seems poised to find its place in a variety of segments.
A look at where the first member of the next generation fits in the market.
Article: Heather Couthaud
Since it was unveiled for the first time at medium-class segment—in a vastly says Luc Bentolila, Head of Marketing
Heli-Expo in 2015, Airbus Helicopters’ new and improved way. and Sales Development for Airbus
H160 is proving good on its promise The H160 was originally designed and Helicopters. “It offers the option of com-
to revolutionise the manufacturer’s developed for civil missions. “But its ver- bining multiple purposes within just one
range, rating positive comments from satility means that for military customers aircraft.” Among its many uses, the
those who have flown aboard its pro- the H160 can replace aging fleets cur- H160 will be configured for law enforce-
totypes (see below). Targeted for the rently comprising a variety of helicop- ment and public services, private and
medium helicopter market, Airbus ters. For civil and parapublic markets, business aviation, as well as transport
Helicopters’ goal in developing the it positions as the most innovative and and offshore industries such as oil and
H160 was to address the needs of the mission-driven aircraft of the market,” gas and wind farms. Further, the aircraft
The friendly
helicopter:
what people
are saying
about the H160
After more than 600 hours
in three prototypes,
Rotor leaves the floor to
customers who had the “I had very good impressions
opportunity to take flight with the flight. The helicopter flies
on board the H160. “The first helicopter which fast with very low vibration levels.
Photos: Airbus Helicopters / is produced for pilots and This is what the pilot is expecting,
Productions Autrement Dit passengers. There is just one to be able to speed up the engine
word: it´s amazing. It´s amazing without perceiving vibrations.
how easy it is to fly. Everything Very good.
basically which was told It is easy to fly and has great
[to me], was given [proof] visibility for landing in restricted
today on the flight.” areas, which is where helicopters
usually operate.”
Watch Sascha Fleischmann
the video. Pilot – LionsAir, Switzerland – VIP Mauro Allegrini
Pilot – Air Corporate, Italy – VIP

will also feature a “green configuration”
for emergency medical services (EMS)
allowing it to accommodate the most
suitable mission configuration.
© Jerôme Deulin
A CLASS OF ITS OWN
A host of considerations have accom-
panied the H160’s development,
starting with overhauling its industrial
model to embrace the digital age and
to draw on the experience of Airbus.
The H160’s design – reflected in 68
new patents – further puts it in a class ease of use. The helicopter’s maturity many quarters, notably the EMS and
of its own, since its designers set out to has been steadily honed in anticipation VIP segments, where the H160’s low
make the aircraft of tomorrow. Hence of its certification and entry into service sound footprint has the potential to
its low sound levels – “not only a com- in 2019, giving rise to improvements make a big impact. “Everyone who sees
fort element, a safety element,” says in maintenance procedures, ease of it says wow,” says Bentolila. “There is a
Bentolila, commenting that less sound access to the aircraft, and 3D and inter- wow effect, and we hope that the same
means clearer communication between active documentation. will apply to its maintenance and opera-
pilot and passengers – and an overall Interest in the H160 is coming from tion—that it’s wow for the long term.”
“The cabin volume is pretty

impressive. It is a big aircraft, [and]
there´s a lot of space, especially
in the back. [When it came] time “I wasn´t expecting an aircraft
to show us the capabilities of the with electric commands that
“My general impression is that aircraft, it´s a very manoeuvrable really took care of the pilot and
you can feel that it´s really machine, especially considering its sort of managed the systems
a new, modern helicopter. size. The autopilot and the avionics so well. So I was quite surprised
It´s completely new. My original are a fantastic improvement over at how well it performed,
expectations, because I´ve seen the current generation. But the especially autopilot out.
it online and in pictures, were visibility, you see very quickly that´s Keep doing a fantastic job!
to feel like it´s a brand new thing, a huge improvement. I mean, You are building a fantastic
and it really felt like a modern we have very good visibility with aeroplane. I hope to fly it one
helicopter.” the machine.” day up in the North Sea.”
Mattias Nilsson Tom Sherony Christopher Daly
Pilot – Laroy Flyg, Pilot – University of Michigan, Pilot – Bristow, UK - Offshore
Sweden- HEMS USA - HEMS

Ecureuil helicopters supervise the 2018 Dakar Rally. In this picture, the Peugeot 3008 from David Castera during Stage 11 / © Eric Vargiolu / DPPI
UP ABOVE

©X

LIFE OF THE RANGE
The H160 opens a new chapter in the history of Airbus

Helicopters. It has been designed to create added
value for customers with its performance, economic
competitiveness, safety and comfort. Both cleaner
and quieter, the H160 takes a step forward in showing
respect for the environment.
NEXT-LEVEL
PERFORMANCE
• More than one tonne
of payload up to 120 NM
radius-of-action
• New-generation
turboshaft engine
• Faster than ever
NEW-GENERATION
DESIGN FOR • Blue Edge® blades
GREATER
• Biplane stabiliser™
PASSENGER
COMFORT AND • Canted Fenestron®
PERFORMANCE • Full-composite airframe
Light maintenance plan Built-in safety
Exceptional handling and external visibility

• Extra-large push-out windows
Enhanced access to Flexible Fully digital • Power margins anytime
maintenance points maintenance plan maintenance tools • Full flight envelope protection

Missions
data
Transport
Greater passenger
Capacity: comfort thanks to low
sound and low vibration
1 or 2 pilots + up in a large, bright cabin.
to12 passengers
MTOW:
5,670 kg EMS
(12,500 lb)
The largest cabin
volume in its class for
better patient care.
Fast cruise
speed:
155 kts
(285 km/h)
Private &
business
Maximum
aviation
range:
> 460 NM This is how exceptional
feels.
Maximum
endurance: Infographic: beatrizsantacruz.com ©
4 h10 m Public
(+20 min reserve) services
A wide range of
equipment for public
services missions.
Less fuel burn:

Source: Airbus.
- 15%
compared to previous
generation engines

LOGBOOK
1 - The H135’s anti-resonance

isolation system ensures
that patients are given the
smoothest possible ride in the
quietest cabin in its class.
2 - ShandsCair bases are

located in Gainesville,
Summerfield, Perry, Panama
City, and Milton, Florida.
3 - One of the main factors

that led ShandsCair to choose
the H155 were the cabin size,
payload and range.
4 - Edward Crews, programme

Florida EMS gets
USA
Director for the UF Health

ShandsCair Critical Care
Transport Program.
a vital boost from the H155 5 - Among their five helicopters,

ShandsCair uses two H135s
in EMS configuration.
For its critical care transport, the University of Florida health system
looks to ShandsCair, which operates helicopters, including two H135s
and one H155, and ground transportation out of five bases in Florida.
Article: Heather Couthaud - Photos: Lorette Fabre
The blue-and-orange helicopter touches down, the nurse checks the patient’s vital signs while the paramedic
cheerful logo on its paint scheme just visible to onlookers: prepares the equipment for intracranial pressure monitor-
an alligator in white scrubs toting a medical bag. As soon ing. Because UF Health ShandsCair physicians establish
ShandsCair
as the rotors slow, members of the ShandsCair 1 medical care protocols directly with ShandsCair clinicians, the fast facts
team duck out of the H155, which has been dispatched to treatment in flight is immediately followed up once the
Founded: 1981, initially
transport a head trauma patient to the University of Florida patient arrives at the hospital.
(UF) Health Shands Hospital. The patient is loaded by with neo/pediatric flight
stretcher into the aircraft’s interior – one of just a handful READY FOR ANY EMERGENCY and ground teams
of HEMS-configured H155s in operation in the US – and “We got called for an automobile crash south of
Headquarters: Gainesville,
the aircraft with its precious cargo takes off. Gainesville and the weather had turned pretty bad,” says
New to the fleet since April 2017 is this H155 in med- Crews. “Other operations in the area had turned it down Florida (USA)
ical configuration, which operates out of ShandsCair’s because of weather. Because our H155 is IFR-capable,
Fleet: fixed-wing aircraft,
Gainesville base located at UH Health Shands. “The we were able to lift off from here, pick up IFR clearance, fly
H155 not only extends our range a lot further than most down to the middle part of Florida in the clouds, meet the 5 helicopters (of which,
helicopters can reach, but increases our payload,” says EMS crew at the airport, pick up the patient, and safely 2 H135 and 1 H155),
Edward Crews, Programme Director for the UF Health bring them back to the hospital where they got the care 9 ground ambulances,
ShandsCair Critical Care Transport Program. “It increases they deserved.” 2 medical transport vans
our capability by providing for multiple medical cases on The helicopter touches down on the hospital helipad and
one transport—where other teams would only be able to staff quickly wheel the trauma patient to the ICU. His con- Florida bases:
provide two medical personnel, we can send up to four.” dition has been given the best possible chance for recov- Gainesville, Panama City,
ery, thanks to ShandsCair’s skilled – and fast – work. Summerfield, Perry, Milton
WORKING AGAINST THE CLOCK (all of Florida is covered
Operating critical-care transport for the UF health care by the H155’s range)
system for 36 years, ShandsCair is a specialist in working
against the clock. As part of the programme’s adult/pedi- “One of the things that stands Average number of patients
atric team, a medical crew consisting of a registered nurse transported yearly: 7,000
(RN)/paramedic and a critical care paramedic respond to out about the H155 is the
adult and pediatric cases for infants older than 30 days. safety and capability to work Average number of
For neonatal emergencies, the crew comprises a neonatal heli-missions per year:
RN and a registered respiratory therapist. In the cockpit,
in environments that most other 1,100, of which the H155
one pilot gets direction from the communications centre, EMS helicopter systems would performs around 450
which also coordinates the service’s fixed-wing and rotary
fleet, ground ambulances and vans.
not be able to operate in.”
En route to the hospital, a flight which averages about an Edward Crews, Programme Director for the UF Health
hour for the majority of ShandsCair’s rescues, the flight ShandsCair Critical Care Transport Program.

1 2
H155
• Maximum take-off weight:

4,920 kg - 10,846 lb
• Capacity:
2 pilots + 13 passengers
• Engine:
2 Safran HE Arriel 2C2
• Fast cruise speed:

266 km/h - 144 kts
• Range: 784 km - 423 NM
• Endurance: 4 h 03 min
3
4 5

MISSION
Ten Panthers in Mexican seas

MEXICO
As of December 2017, the Mexican Navy has been operating ten AS565 MBe
Panther helicopters, the result of an order for ten units in November 2014,
when the Mexican Navy became the aircraft’s launch customer. Below, an
overview of the qualities of this model, which has become an essential part
of the Mexican Navy’s fleet.
Article: Belén Morant - Photos: Anthony Pecchi
Versatile, safe and efficient. That’s how the Mexican Navy family since 2004,” explains Admiral José María García
describes the MBe Panther after approximately two years Macedo, General Coordinator of Naval Aeronautics for
of its use in various operations. Its maximum take-off weight the Mexican Navy. “The MBe’s capabilities can be used
has increased significantly from 4,300 kg to 4,500 kg. But in both marine and land-based environments for mis- 1
this isn’t the only improvement: the MBe Panther also offers sions like search and rescue (SAR), or to support the civil
optimised performance in high and hot environments, population in disaster areas or areas affected by natural
and features modern avionics with a vehicle and engine catastrophes. It can also be used for cargo load jobs and
multifunction display (VEMD) and sophisticated mission as an air ambulance. In total, each Panther logs approx- 1 - The Panthers’
maximum take-off
equipment for greater operational capabilities, allowing it imately 300 flight hours per year.” weight has increased
to achieve a top speed of almost 280 km/h and a range of significantly from
780 km. All of these qualities make this helicopter a safe FIRST-CLASS EQUIPMENT 4,300 kg to 4,500 kg.
and cost-efficient model for the missions it covers. The Panther helicopters are operated at various bases
2 - The Navy’s MBe
“The MBe version is a more modern helicopter with an in the Gulf of Mexico and on the Mexican Pacific coast. Panthers are equipped
advanced four-axis autopilot and generally improved Their role also includes being stationed on logistic ships with a rescue winch
performance and features thanks to engines that are which carry out ocean patrols – Navy ships with hangars with a capacity of
more powerful than those of its predecessor. This is the and platforms to house the Panthers – from which the 272 kg and a forward
looking infrared (FLIR).
third version of the Panther to be used by the Mexican helicopters respond to maritime emergencies and provide
Navy, which has been operating helicopters from this protection to oceangoing fleets.
To prepare them for a wide range of missions, the Navy’s
MBe Panthers are equipped with a rescue winch with a
capacity of 272 kg and a forward looking infrared (FLIR)
“In total, each Panther logs camera for SAR missions at night. Furthermore, they can
also be equipped with up to four stretchers for medical
approximately 300 flight hours evacuations and casualty transport, as well as with a load
per year. We are very satisfied hook. “The personnel of different squadrons consider this
helicopter easy to fly, especially due to its technology and
with the new Panther.” avionics, which facilitate operations and increase security View operational
Admiral José María García Macedo, General Coordinator throughout missions. We are very satisfied with the new pictures on
of Naval Aeronautics for the Mexican Navy. Panther,” affirms Admiral García Macedo. Rotor Online.

2
Rescue in high seas
On 2 August 2017, two crew

members of a tuna boat were
aboard a piston helicopter as
part of fishing activities, where
they suffered an accident
and fell into the sea 370 km
south-east of Puerto Chiapas.
An MBe Panther equipped for
medical evacuations set off
from the ocean patrol of the
Mexican Navy “Durango”
to rescue the crew members.
The injured crew were
immediately transported to
a regional hospital to receive
specialised medical care, given
the severity of their injuries.

© Airbus Helicopters/Christian Keller
2
MISSION

© Airbus Helicopters/Christian Keller © Polizeihubschrauberstaffel
© Airbus Helicopters/Christian Keller

1 - The state of Baden-
Württemberg was the
first customer to receive
an H145 used for police
missions in 2015.
2 - The operator
workplace onboard the
H145 is equipped with
large monitors. Filmed
material can also be
downlinked to police
stations on the ground
in real time.
3 - The Baden-
Württemberg police also
use their H145s for rescue
missions and winching
operations.
4 - The H145s of the

Baden-Württemberg
police are versatile
The H145 protects from above

GERMANY
multi mission police

helicopters equipped
with a state of the art
camera system.
From missing people to manhunts and surveillance, whenever
the police force needs aerial support, the pilots of Baden-Württemberg’s
police helicopter unit take off in their H145 aircraft.
Article: Joerg Michel
It’s just a few weeks before Christmas, and temperatures obscured by branches and leaves, we can still detect
are freezing. At the airport in Stuttgart, Christian Daxkobler them by their heat signature.” A few minutes go by before
is on his way to the hangar. A man has gone missing from Daxkobler spots a signature. He notifies his colleagues
a retirement home and Daxkobler, who has been with over the onboard radio, and they land the helicopter near
Baden-Württemberg’s police helicopter unit for four-and- to where the heat signature was detected. The elderly
a-half years, has been called into action. Daxkobler takes man is lying on his back on the ground—he’s alive. The
his place at the computer workstation in the passenger crew administers first aid until the emergency doctor
cabin and, together with his two pilots, the H145 helicop- arrives on the scene.
ter takes off on its potentially life-saving mission. “Saving lives is our top priority,” says Martin Landgraf.
“We’ve seen an increase in these sorts of callouts in “Last year, we successfully located 62 missing people, all
recent years,” says Martin Landgraf, deputy chief of still alive, but people who might well have died without the
Baden-Württemberg’s police helicopter unit. “The H145 help of our police helicopter unit.”
is a state-of-the-art police helicopter we can use to sup-
port our colleagues on the ground in precisely these sorts POWERFUL AND VERSATILE
of situations. It comes equipped with an image-stabilised, Missions are far from restricted to searches for missing
high-definition camera system for both natural light and people, however. The Baden-Württemberg police heli-
thermal imaging scenarios, which can be coupled with copter unit’s state-of-the-art H145s also assist in flights
Baden- the helicopter’s searchlight, allowing us to see much more for environmental protection, the documentation of
Württemberg than police on the ground can see.” The visuals can be severe accidents, and hunts for criminals. “The H145’s
police analysed from within the helicopter by an operator sit- versatility is very important for us,” says Landgraf. “We
helicopter unit ting at a workstation equipped with a 22-inch computer also use the H145 to transport our special units and
screen. At the same time, images are also relayed in real to perform rescue missions from the air with special
time to the police dispatch and even to patrol cars on the abseiling equipment.”
• 6 H145 helicopters ground as required. Since 2016, Baden-Württemberg’s police helicopter unit
• 72 employees has operated a total of six H145 helicopters at its two
THERMAL IMAGING FOR locations in Stuttgart and Söllingen. A total of 72 peo-
• 2,600 missions a year
A SUCCESSFUL SEARCH ple are on call around the clock. “Last year, our fleet of
• Helicopter crew: The helicopter has arrived at the target area, and it is now H145s flew over 2,600 missions, more than 700 of them
2 pilots and a systems that Daxkobler’s work begins. He uses the electro-optical at night,” says Landgraf. “Thanks to the compatibility of
operator
system to scan the area in which the missing person is Helionix with night vision goggles, the H145 is very well
• 24 hours a day, thought to be. “The thermal imaging camera allows us to suited for this purpose. On top of that, the H145’s greater
365 days a year spot details we simply couldn’t see with the naked eye,” payload capacity and boosted performance help us stay
explains Daxkobler. “And even if someone is partially in the air longer.”

AROUND THE WORLD
1 - The Albacete plant

was inaugurated in
March 2007. It has
90,000 m2 of buildings
on 150,000 m2 of land
next to the airport.
2 - Francisco Vergé,
Managing Director
of Airbus Helicopters
España.
3 - Eight NH90 are

in operation in Spain,
with a ninth to be
delivered very soon.
SPAIN
A decade in La Mancha
Ten years after its creation, the Airbus Helicopters factory in Albacete
(Spain) has established itself as a fundamental pillar of the company’s
industrial strategy. Moreover, its commercial development has been a
resounding success despite a difficult economic environment.
Article: Belén Morant
Now that its industrial plant has seen a decade of oper- national support centre to support the fleet of the Spanish
ation, Airbus Helicopters España has become an irre- Ministry of Defence, similar to that in France and Germany,
placeable economic actor in Castilla la Mancha. The will be a fundamental step in Airbus Helicopters España’s
company employs about 500 people in Spain, but gen- commitment to the availability and operational capability
erates such a large amount of indirect and service-sec- of the country’s armed forces helicopters.
tor employment that it is estimated that in just ten years
the direct return on investment has been quadrupled. In CENTRE OF INDUSTRIAL EXCELLENCE
the province, it counts as the highest-invoicing company As part of Airbus Helicopters’ new industrial strategy,
and it has earned a reputation as a committed neighbour its manufacturing plants are being primed to specialise
thanks to its support for environmental policies and train- in the production of certain fundamental components.
ing programmes featuring high technological content. Thus, the Albacete factory is set to become a centre of
excellence for the manufacture and integration of rear
LOCAL PROTAGONISTS fuselages for all Airbus helicopters globally.
“In this decade, we have delivered more than 180 new “This approach means the absolute integration of our
helicopters to a fleet of 320 Airbus helicopters. That is plant into the Airbus Helicopters industrial strategy, and
to say, more than 50% of the Spanish fleet of Airbus offers greater stability, visibility and sustainability to our
Helicopters has been renewed,” highlights Francisco project in Spain,” explains Francisco Vergé. “For us, this
Vergé, Managing Director of Airbus Helicopters España. decision guarantees keeping sustainable jobs. For the
Airbus Helicopters now boasts a market share of almost company, this specialisation implies further improving the
95% in the Spanish para-public sector. Most are helicop- quality and competitiveness of our products. We all have
ters that carry out activities for various state institutions something to gain from this new collaboration.”
such as customs, maritime fishing, and maritime rescue, In addition to its industrial activities, Airbus Helicopters
whose trust in Airbus dates back to the nineteen seven- España also takes care of engineering R&D, mainte-
ties. On the other hand, the market share in the civil sector nance and modernisation of helicopters, certification and
- mainly EMS operations, fire fighting and aerial work in qualification (including flight tests), deliveries, as well as
general - remains stable at more than 60%. As for the mil- logistics support for customers in the civil, military and
itary fleet, Airbus Helicopters España expects the current para-public sectors.
60% market share to grow in the coming years, according *DGAM: Dirección General de Armamento y Material (Directorate-
to the master plan of the DGAM*. The creation in 2018 of a General of Armament and Material).

Airbus Helicopters
España
• Workforce: 500 employees

(more than 600 counting
temporary employees
and direct subcontractors)
• Activities:
- Sales and marketing
- Production and
development engineering
- Aerostructures production
and final assembly
- Maintenance, retrofitting
and modernisation
(including non-Airbus
military helicopters)
• Revenue:
€390 million in 2017
• In-service fleet:
340 helicopters
1
© Anthony Pecchi
2 3

BEHIND THE SCENES
PARTNERS
Watch videos Gun pods:
on Rotor Online. FN Herstal HMP400
Cannon pods:
Nexter NC621
HForce’s powerful side Unguided rockets:

Thales FZ231
HForce – Airbus’ H-generation weapon system – was designed based
Laser-guided rockets:
on the experience gained from the Tiger helicopter. It can be fitted FZ275 LGR from Thales
on Airbus’ military range of helicopters to offer the entire spectrum of
operational capabilities. This system will allow military forces that may Helmet-mounted display:
or may not be able to invest in specialised helicopters to complete Scorpion from Thales
light attack missions at an affordable cost. EOS: MX-15D

Article: Belén Morant and Joerg Michel from L3 WESCAM
Defence agencies
gain more flexibility
EQUIPMENT JUST FOR
in the management MILITARY HELICOPTERS?
of their weapons HForce is much more. It is a simple, modular and
stock because incremental weapon system designed by Airbus to be fitted
weapon pods
allow arms to
to any military version of an Airbus helicopter – all with the
be interchanged capacity to be retrofitted – to convert the aircraft to a light
from one aircraft attack helicopter with the minimum of integration.
to another. Today, there are HForce offers for the H125M, H145M and
the H225M for the entire spectrum of missions, ranging from
armed reconnaissance to utility and attack missions.
The gunner and pilot

© Eric Raz
can share information

via their helmets as
they would in an attack
helicopter.
HOW DOES IT WORK?

Like a Swiss Army knife, HForce offers a multi-purpose
mission computer and a large set of weapons (air-to-
air, air-to-ground, ballistic or guided) to address any
operational need. This technically-advanced solution
takes into account the different aspects of firing
accuracy: weapon recoil, centre of gravity, ground
clearance and vehicle separation.
Moreover, the gunner and pilot can share information via
their helmets as they would in an attack helicopter, thus
ensuring extremely effective firing accuracy, mandatory
when providing fire support to troops in combat.

H145M firing campaigns
in Hungary and Sweden
Following the first flight of an H145M
with HForce weaponry in August
2017 at the Airbus Helicopters
site in Donauwörth, Germany, the
helicopter successfully performed
two firing campaigns over the course
of last year. In October, the H145M
completed a ballistic development
test in Hungary with the HForce
weapon system that included gun
pods, cannon pods and unguided
rockets using a helmet-mounted sight
display developed by Thales. In a
second firing campaign, which took
place in Sweden in December 2017,
laser-guided rockets were tested with
© XX
target engagement capabilities of
the electro-optical system. All fired
rockets hit the target with a deviation
of less than a metre fired at a distance
of up to 4.5 km. Final qualification
of the ballistic HForce system on the
H145M is scheduled for the end of
2018, while that of the laser-guided
rockets is planned for the end of 2019.
© Anthony Pecchi
BUILDING ON EXPERIENCE
Airbus Helicopters’ mission goes far beyond
providing helicopters, ensuring that operators
have everything they need to complete their
mission successfully. Airbus Helicopters used its
experience with the Tiger helicopter, especially
concerning crew resource management, to offer
an interchangeable armament system similar to
the Tiger’s, in which the gunner manages the
helicopter’s weapons while the pilot concentrates
on flying. Affordable and available, HForce allows
© Anthony Pecchi
defence agencies to acquire armed scout or light

attack capabilities as an initial procurement or as
an ideal complement to specialised helicopters.
© Eric Raz

OFF THE BEATEN TRACK
Andes operates four H125s for

transport of staff and cargo (internal
and external), seismic exploration, or
magnetometry missions, among others.
PERU
There’s no mountain high enough

A thirty-minute commute to work is normal. However, if your work is in
a mine at an altitude of more than 4,000 metres, things get more difficult.
With its new H145, Los Andes Air Services transports workers to the
Las Bambas mine in just 28 minutes, instead of four hours by car. Below,
a summary of this and many other high altitude missions with the H145.
Article: Belén Morant - Photos: Andes
The arid coasts, high Andean altitudes and lush Amazon flight hours, it currently has eight aircraft, including four
jungle have marked the development of companies in Peru. H125s and one H145—the first of its kind in the region.
Rural roads and the lack of access have made many raw “Our activities with the helicopter include transporting staff
materials in the country go unexploited for decades. The and cargo (internal and external), aerial work like seismic
company Los Andes Air Services (Andes) was founded in exploration, magnetometry, search and rescue, and med-
this context nearly 13 years ago. With more than 80,000 ical evaluations, as well as tourist flights in the Cusco area.
Now, we are also exploring new possibilities in the field of
the urban air taxi in Lima,” explains Enrique Torres, Andes
Commercial Director.
“After concluding the certification process
of the H145, we had the opportunity to take THE H145—A HIGH AND HOT EXPERT
Ever since Andes acquired its first H145 in April of last year,
a direct flight between Lima and Cuzco, the company has carried out all kinds of passenger trans-
something extremely rare for such a light portation missions in the regions of Cuzco and Abancay, an
Andean area with altitudes that go up to and above 6,000
helicopter. The flight took just three hours and metres above sea level. Aerial operations in the Peruvian
30 minutes, whereas it normally takes four Andes are very demanding, not just due to the difficulties
hours, including a stopover in Ayacucho.” of the typical mountain environment, with unpredictable
winds and abrupt weather changes, but also because of
Enrique Torres, Andes Commercial Director. the temperatures, which vary from -10°C up to 30°C in

Workers from MMG Las Bambas appreciate
the H145´s security, comfort, silence.
The road to the mine of

Las Bambas is unpaved
and sinuous: bus
transport can be risky
summer. “Given these conditions, it was necessary to find and long.
an aircraft with exceptional characteristics, like the H145,
an aircraft that surpassed our expectations,” says Luis
Fontenoy Miranda, CEO of Andes.
“As a state-of-the-art aircraft with cutting edge technology,
the H145 offers features that are adapted to our country’s
geography, and our operations,” Enrique Torres points out.
“The flight is super comfortable, safe and pleasant, both
for the crew and for the passengers. The automated con-
trol makes the helicopter very stable, and allows it to be
operated in all of its dimensions. Our customers especially
appreciate the efficiency, comfort and safety of the aircraft.”
CLIMBING UP TO THE MINE

Andes’ customers include the company MMG Las
Bambas, which manages a copper mine that is in south-
ern Peru, with an estimated total of more than one million
tonnes of the precious metal. Each day, the H145 trans-
ports MMG personnel to a mining complex in approxi-
“The versatility and multi-mission
mately 30 minutes: a route that could take between seven capacity of the H145 have allowed
to eight hours by ground transportation, without counting
all of the safety risks involved with driving those unpaved,
us to quickly respond to medical
sinuous roads, not to mention the dangers inherent to the evacuations by air that have occurred
Andean mountain range. in places that are difficult to access
“One time, on an early morning flight between Cuzco and
Las Bambas, one of our passengers fell asleep during the and far from medical centres that can
flight, and was only awakened when alerted by the pilot. handle emergencies.”
After leaving the aircraft, he explained that it was the first
time he was able to sleep in a helicopter, because it was Luis Fontenoy Miranda, CEO of Andes.
so comfortable and silent...anecdotes like that are proof of
the comfort and tranquillity that the H145 provides in flight,”
Enrique Torres recounts with a smile.

RELY ON.
FLY
WE MAKE IT
The new generation H160 boasts a range
of unparalleled safety features. Maximized
pilot visibility, intuitive information display,
unrivalled pilot assistance with Helionix,®
and unmatched flight envelope protection.
What’s more, it carries up to 12 passengers
with a radius of action of 120 NM, while
burning 15% less fuel. With so many
impressive features, the H160 is a huge
step forward not just for its category,
but for the environment, too.
Safety. We make it fly.
airbus.com

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N o .

MISSION BEHIND THE SCENES LOGBOOK

The future is now

IN THE SPOTLIGHT MISSION

For more information Follow us on Join us on Follow us on

2 / ROTOR - No. 111 - MARCH/APRIL 2018

ROTOR - No. 111 - MARCH/APRIL 2018 / 3

First flight demonstration

Watch the video

4 / ROTOR - No. 111 - MARCH/APRIL 2018

51 ADDITIONAL and delivery of the 12 NH90 NFH helicopters from its

VOOM’S HELICOPTER COMMUTING

SERVICE LAUNCHES IN MEXICO CITY

a helicopter within minutes. By providing a more efficient

ROTOR - No. 111 - MARCH/APRIL 2018 / 5

EASA ISSUES SINGLE PRODUCTION

NEW SUPPORT ARRANGEMENT

FOR RAF PUMA MK2

Puma 2 fleet over the planned service life of the

Helicopters will provide repair and overhaul

6 / ROTOR - No. 111 - MARCH/APRIL 2018

who was suffering from high-altitude pulmonary oedema (HAPE)

AUSTRALIAN HELICOPTER AIRCREW

Australian Defence Forces’ new training helicopter at HMAS Albatross,

ROTOR - No. 111 - MARCH/APRIL 2018 / 7

THE FUTURE IS NOW

ROTOR - No. 111 - MARCH/APRIL 2018 / 9

“THE H160 IS THE FIRST

The cold weather campaign was carried

10 / ROTOR - No. 111 - MARCH/APRIL 2018

ROTOR - No. 111 - MARCH/APRIL 2018 / 11

ASSEMBLY LINE INNOVATION

An assembly line in five steps

Station 1: Delivery of MCA centre Station 2: Installation Station 3: Installation

12 / ROTOR - No. 111 - MARCH/APRIL 2018

Station 4: Installation Station 5: Ground test

ROTOR - No. 111 - MARCH/APRIL 2018 / 13

THE H160’S WOW EFFECT

14 / ROTOR - No. 111 - MARCH/APRIL 2018

“The cabin volume is pretty

ROTOR - No. 111 - MARCH/APRIL 2018 / 15

16 / ROTOR - No. 111 - MARCH/APRIL 2018

ROTOR - No. 111 - MARCH/APRIL 2018 / 17

The H160 opens a new chapter in the history of Airbus

• Faster than ever

PERFORMANCE • Full-composite airframe

Light maintenance plan Built-in safety

Exceptional handling and external visibility

18 / ROTOR - No. 111 - MARCH/APRIL 2018

Less fuel burn:

ROTOR - No. 111 - MARCH/APRIL 2018 / 19

1 - The H135’s anti-resonance

2 - ShandsCair bases are

3 - One of the main factors

4 - Edward Crews, programme

Director for the UF Health

a vital boost from the H155 5 - Among their five helicopters,

20 / ROTOR - No. 111 - MARCH/APRIL 2018

• Maximum take-off weight:

• Fast cruise speed: