Airbus developing police variant of H145
Airbus Helicopters is developing a new Law Enforcement Mission System configuration for its H145 helicopter
The configuration will include a foldable mission operator station, a mission system powered by artificial intelligence (AI), a more powerful searchlight, illuminated blade tips, and a new winch system developed in partnership with Vincorion.
The illuminated blade tips – a feature more commonly found on military rotorcraft – are night vision goggle compatible, and are expected to improve safety for both crew and bystanders on the ground.
It is being developed by Airbus in partnership with the Bavarian Police, who will be the first operator to fly with this configuration. The first aircraft of this design will be delivered next year.
The aircraft will be delivered as part of a batch of eight, ordered under a contract signed by the Bavarian Ministry of the Interior in December 2021.
Oliver Cuenca
Oliver Cuenca was a Junior Editor at the Voyageur Group. He was previously a News and Features Journalist for the rail magazine IRJ until 2021, and studied MA Magazine Journalism at Cardiff University. His favourite helicopter is the AW169 – the workhorse of the UK air ambulance sector! He also led the creation of Waypoint: The AirMed&Rescue podcast, serving as its Production Editor and co-host.