German Armed Forces Received The First H145M Helicopter Configured For Training Operations
Germany recently took delivery of the first of 82 H145Ms (62 definite, 20 optional) ordered from Airbus Helicopters last year to partially replace its Eurocopter Tigers. The delivery, which represents an essential milestone in the modernization of the German armed forces’ (Bundeswehr) rotary wing capabilities, was celebrated with a ceremony at Airbus’ Donauwörth facility, where the new helicopter was officially named “Leichter Kampfhubschrauber” (Light Combat Helicopter) or LKH.
Stefan Thomé, Managing Director of Airbus Helicopters in Germany, highlighted the rapid delivery, noting, “Delivering the first H145M LKH in less than a year after contract signing demonstrates our commitment. The H145M LKH will be a true multi-mission asset for the German Armed Forces, supporting their crucial operations.”
Following the ceremony, the first H145M LKH was transferred to the German Army International Helicopter Training Centre in Bückeburg, northern Germany, for training operations. Deliveries of the other helicopters, configured for reconnaissance, special forces operations, and light attack missions, will begin in 2025 and will be completed in 2028. In addition to the helicopters, the Bundeswehr will receive replacement parts, eight simulators, flying and technical personnel training, and helicopter operating services through the contract.
Fifty-seven of the H145M LKHs will be used by the German Army and deployed at its military bases in Niederstetten, Fritzlar, and Faßberg. The remaining five will be in service with the Luftwaffe special forces at the airbase in Laupheim. The German Army will have no difficulty integrating the new systems into its armed forces, as it already operates 24 H145 helicopters for special forces and search-and-rescue missions.
The H-145M is Airbus’s class-leading light attack helicopter, based on the civilian Eurocopter EC145. The H-145M has a wide range of applications, including maritime patrol, light attack, transport, and reconnaissance. These helicopters can operate day or night, in any weather, and can be equipped with 12.7mm machine guns, 70mm guided and unguided rockets, anti-tank missiles, and short-range air-to-air missiles. The helicopter can carry a useful load of 1,769kg and has a maximum takeoff weight of 3.7 tons. The H-145M has a range of 662 kilometers and a top speed of 244 kilometers per hour, thanks to its two powerful Turbomeca Arriel 2E engines. The helicopter can reach a flight altitude of over 2,700m (8,858 ft) and remain airborne for three and a half hours.