Eurocopter EC145

Airbus Helicopters
Company type	Division of Airbus Group
Industry	Aerospace, Defense
Predecessor	Eurocopter
Founded	1992
Headquarters	Marignane, France
Products	Helicopters (including H145)
Parent	Airbus Group
Website	www.airbus.com/helicopters

The Airbus Helicopters H145, previously known as the Eurocopter EC145, is a light twin-engine utility helicopter designed and produced by Airbus Helicopters. Initially introduced as the BK 117, the H145 originates from the MBB/Kawasaki BK 117 C1, which became part of Eurocopter in 1992. The helicopter was first branded as EC145, with an enhanced model called EC145 T2 later rebranded as H145 in 2015. During the 2020s, it underwent major upgrades, including replacing the conventional tail rotor with a fenestron and adopting a five-blade main rotor.

Capable of accommodating two pilots and up to nine passengers, the H145 is adaptable for various roles such as passenger transport, corporate travel, emergency medical services (EMS), search and rescue, parapublic missions, and general utility operations.

Military versions like the H145M and UH-72 fulfill functions including training, logistical support, medevac, reconnaissance, light attack missions, and troop transportation. Notable military operators include the United States—operating nearly 500 units—and Germany, where it is employed for search and rescue as well as special operations.

Origins

The EC145 emerged from a collaboration between Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm/Eurocopter and Kawasaki Heavy Industries, evolving from their BK 117 C1 platform. This model integrates the forward cockpit and avionics suite of the Eurocopter EC135 with the established rear fuselage of the BK 117, making it approximately "90% a hybrid" of these two helicopters. Enhancements encompass extended range and payload capacity, an expanded uninterrupted cabin space (increased by over 1 m³), substantial reductions in vibration and noise levels (about 60% quieter than the BK 117 C1), easier maintenance procedures, and reduced operational expenses.

Certified under the type designation BK 117 C2, it was chosen in December 1997 by French Defense and Civil Guard agencies for air rescue duties through a $170 million contract covering 31 helicopters. Its maiden flight took place on 12 June 1999 in Donauwörth, Germany. Subsequent certifications were granted by Germany's Luftfahrt-Bundesamt (2000), Japan's Civil Aviation Bureau, and the US Federal Aviation Administration (2002).

In production, Eurocopter is responsible for approximately 60% of components such as rotors, gearboxes, and control systems, while Kawasaki handles fuselage manufacturing and transmission systems accounting for 40%. Kawasaki markets this helicopter as BK 117 C2 within Asian markets, whereas Eurocopter distributes it globally under the EC145 name. Following Mitsubishi's discontinuation of the MH2000 in 2004, production in Japan became unique to this model. The joint manufacturing agreement between Eurocopter and Kawasaki has been extended through at least 2025.

Further development

Eurocopter unveiled the EC145 T2 in 2011 featuring enhanced capabilities: Turboméca Arriel 2E engines equipped with dual FADEC systems, a Fenestron tail rotor design, reinforced gearboxes, and advanced digital avionics including a sophisticated four-axis autopilot system. This variant received EASA certification in April 2014 followed by FAA approval in October.

Manufacturing primarily takes place at Donauwörth in Germany. Airbus aimed to produce 50 units of EC145 T2 during 2015 with plans to increase output to 70 annually.

An optionally piloted version (OPV) entered testing phases in 2013 to enable autonomous or remote-controlled operations for civil and military applications; although no production schedule was announced as of 2015, development efforts have continued.

In July 2014 Airbus introduced the EC145e, a streamlined utility model featuring reduced weight and simplified avionics tailored for missions such as firefighting and utility tasks; this version gained EASA certification in April 2015. Metro Aviation provides mission-specific modifications for this configuration.

In March 2019 Airbus and Kawasaki revealed an upgraded H145 variant incorporating a bearingless five-bladed main rotor fitted with Blue Edge blades—resulting in an approximate payload increase of —with retrofit options available for existing H145 helicopters. Certification from EASA was anticipated in early 2020.

Production

By June 2023, production of the H145 helicopter family had surpassed 1,600 units.

Design

The EC145 boasts a cabin size larger than that of the BK 117 C1, extending by 46 cm in length and 13 cm in width, resulting in an increased internal volume of approximately . Additional improvements include enhanced maximum takeoff weight and extended range, achieved through composite rotor blades adapted from the EC135. It employs a hingeless rotor system with a titanium hub and initially utilized Turboméca Arriel engines, which were subsequently upgraded.

A notable feature is the variable rotor speed and torque matching system (VARTOMS), which plays a significant role in establishing the helicopter’s reputation as "the quietest in its category."

The cockpit is fully glass-equipped, incorporating the Thales MEGHAS Flight Control Display System with active matrix LCD screens, designed for operation by either a single pilot or a two-pilot crew. Critical systems such as autopilot, hydraulic boost, and transmission lubrication are built with redundancy. The EC145 T2 model introduces comprehensive digital avionics, including dual-channel FADEC and a full 4-axis autopilot supported by three large LCD panels. This variant is certified for Category A operations and capable of IFR flights exclusively under GPS navigation.

Cabin layouts accommodate eight passengers arranged in club seating or nine in a high-density configuration, with seating easily reconfigurable. Entry is facilitated through sliding side doors or large rear clamshell doors engineered for safe loading while rotors remain engaged. EMS setups can support two stretcher patients plus three medical personnel. Optional features include emergency flotation devices, rescue hoists, searchlights, and load hooks.

The EC145e utility model offers a standardized interior design aimed at weight reduction.

VIP corporate versions include the Stylence model introduced in 2008, featuring luxury interiors with leather upholstery and carbon fiber details; this was followed by the Mercedes-Benz Style VIP edition launched in 2011, which provides multiple seating arrangements (from four to eight passengers), advanced entertainment systems, customizable lighting, and redesigned nose and landing skids. In 2017 Airbus unveiled corporate variants under the ACH brand: ACH145 Line (formerly Stylence) and ACH145 Editions (Mercedes-Benz Style).

Operational history

Initial operators comprised the French Sécurité Civile, National Gendarmerie, and the German State Police of Hesse beginning operations in April 2002. The Sécurité Civile selected the EC145 to replace their aging Alouette III fleet after evaluating competitors such as the AS365 Dauphin.

By November 2006, French operators aimed to increase IFR mission capabilities including night operations. The Gendarmerie reported approximately 90% availability per aircraft. By June 2009, three of their delivered EC145 helicopters had been lost due to accidents.

In October 2010, Eurocopter established a joint venture with Kazakhstan Engineering to assemble helicopters locally—marking the sole manufacturer within the CIS region—with exclusive supply agreements covering several countries including Mongolia and Belarus. The first Kazakh-assembled EC145 kits arrived in September 2012 with production targets of up to ten helicopters annually; by late 2015, twenty units had been produced domestically for Kazakhstan’s emergency services and defense ministry.

By April 2012, Eurocopter had delivered its 500th EC145 worldwide.

The inaugural EC145 T2 was handed over on July 31, 2014 to DRF Luftrettung for emergency medical service missions; they placed orders totaling twenty units.

In April 2015 Airbus Australia Pacific completed delivery of its first H145 variant (previously known as EC145 T2). That same year Saudi Arabia announced procurement plans for twenty-three H145 helicopters valued at $500 million.

By November 2015, fleet availability averaged approximately 94%.

On September 25, 2019, an Airbus H145 set a new altitude record for twin-engine helicopters by landing on the summit of Aconcagua mountain at nearly , piloted by Airbus test personnel.

Military

In 2006, the UH-72 Lakota was selected as the winner of the US Army's Light Utility Helicopter Program, resulting in a $3 billion contract for over 300 units plus additional options. The UH-72A officially entered operational service in December of the same year. Production commenced at American Eurocopter’s Columbus plant, which received FAA authorization in August 2007.

Starting in July 2013, Germany acquired fifteen EC645 T2 helicopters configured for special operations (later designated H145M) to equip its KSK units. These helicopters are outfitted with weapon mounts, countermeasure systems, ballistic armor, and specialized mission equipment. In October 2014, Thailand placed an order for five EC645 T2 helicopters intended for use by its Royal Navy.

The militarized H145M gained EASA certification in May 2015, with Germany receiving initial deliveries by December that year.

Serbia ordered nine H145Ms in December 2016—six assigned to the air force, including armed versions integrated with Airbus’s HForce weapon system, and three allocated to police forces. Deliveries extended through late 2018, alongside comprehensive armament testing conducted by Airbus from late 2017 into early 2018.

Between mid-2018 and the end of 2021, Hungary procured twenty armed H145Ms equipped with HForce systems; delivery completion included live-fire exercises utilizing cannon pods.

Luxembourg obtained two dual-role H145Ms starting in July 2018, to be shared between its army and police units.

During evacuation operations in Afghanistan from August to September 2021, the German Air Force deployed two H145Ms.

Belgium has chosen the H145M as its replacement light utility helicopter for older fleet models, with government approval expected by March 2023.

Variants

EC145: Original model derived from the BK117 C-1 platform powered by Turboméca Arriel engines and featuring a traditional tail rotor.
ACH145: Corporate variant marketed under Airbus Corporate Helicopters, offering luxury interiors; includes ACH Line (Stylence) and ACH Editions (Mercedes-Benz Style).
EC145e: Utility-oriented version with simplified avionics designed to reduce weight.
H145: Modernized iteration featuring a fenestron tail rotor, enhanced Arriel engines (~775 kW), and advanced avionics; maximum takeoff weight approximately 3700 kg.
H145 D3: Internal designation for a five-bladed main rotor upgrade that increases payload capacity by about 150 kg.
H145M: Military configuration equipped with ballistic armor, self-sealing fuel tanks, electro-optical sensors, pintle-mounted machine guns or miniguns, military communication and electronic warfare suites; compatible with Airbus’s modular HForce weapon system including gun pods and guided rockets.
UH-72A Lakota: US Army version based on the standard EC145 platform with military adaptations.
UH-72B: Enhanced UH-72 variant incorporating improvements from the updated H145 model such as the five-blade rotor system.
UH-72B Unmanned Logistics Connector: A proposed unmanned logistics support helicopter currently under evaluation by the US Marine Corps and Army.
AAS-72X / AAS-72X+: Armed scout helicopter concepts submitted for the US Army’s Armed Aerial Scout program featuring external hardpoints and sophisticated avionics; program was ultimately cancelled.
Jupiter HT.1 / HC.2: UK military training variants employed for search and rescue pilot instruction and overseas utility missions.

Production

By mid-2023, production surpassed 1600 units worldwide across both civilian and military versions, serving over thirty nations with approximately one hundred customers reported in early 2020s data.

External links