The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has placed an order for six more Airbus H145 Jupiter Helicopters as it continues its renewal of its rotary aircraft.
The new aircraft are set to be deployed to Cyprus where they will undertake emergency response duties and also to Brunei to support UK military training.
The UK already operates seven H145s based at the Defence Helicopter Flying School at RAF Shawbury in Shropshire alongside 29 of the smaller H135 Juno helicopters.
Airbus Helicopters in the UK Managing Director Lenny Brown said: “We congratulate the MoD on this smart acquisition which simultaneously provides the right-sized helicopter for the Cyprus and Brunei requirements, represents excellent value for the UK taxpayer, and is another key step in the rationalisation of types in the transport helicopter fleet.”
Airbus’ latest version of the H145 includes an innovative five-bladed rotor to the aircraft increasing the useful load of the helicopter by 150 kg.
The new bearingless main rotor design eases maintenance operations, improves serviceability and reliability, and enhances flight comfort for both passengers and crew.
The Helionix avionics also saves significant time in pilot training due to commonality between different Airbus types including the H135.