First H145 with five-blade rotor and winch operational in Freiburg

A new H145 with five-blade rotor and winch, Christoph 54, is now in service at the Freiburg station of DRF Luftrettung, a German-HEMS operator. This is a first for civil air rescue in Germany.

The Freiburg crew was able to put the new H145 through its paces last weekend – just in time for the spring winch training with the Black Forest and Württemberg mountain rescue services and the DLRG Breisgau.

Oliver Barth, Station Manager and Pilot of DRF Luftrettung in Freiburg, said: “Eleven DRF Luftrettung stations are already flying with the new five-blade technology. However, we are the first to use an H145 five-blade with rescue winch from today. This is also a first for civil air rescue in Germany.

“Our expectations were not disappointed. We are very satisfied; the new helicopter is great.”

Because of the fifth rotor blade, the new Christoph 54 is quieter in the air, benefitting patients and crew. The helicopter vibrates less and has a higher payload capacity; as a result, more fuel can be carried, which increases the range.