Airbus Helicopters has delivered the first five-blade H145D3 to the Norwegian Air Ambulance Foundation, the OEM announced today. Hans Morten Lossius, secretary-general of Norwegian Air Ambulance Foundation, said the operator will use the new helicopter for research and development projects. “The increased useful load [330 pounds] and the smooth flight make the new H145 the perfect choice for these purposes, which aim to further push the boundaries and enhance helicopter emergency medical services in Norway,” he added.
The Norwegian Air Ambulance Foundation, which Dr. Jens Moe founded in 1978, brought helicopter air ambulance services to the country with a rented BO105 from a base near Oslo. Today, Norwegian Air Ambulance operates from 13 bases in Norway and four bases in Denmark using a fleet of Airbus H135s and H145s equipped with the Helionix avionics system.
Airbus unveiled the latest version of its H145 light twin in 2019, and EASA certified the aircraft in June. Airbus said it expects FAA certification “soon” and anticipates certification for a military variant in 2021. The H145 is being developed jointly with Kawasaki Heavy Industries and the first delivery by Kawasaki is scheduled for early next year. The H145D3 is powered by two Safran Arriel 2E engines and features the Helionix digital avionics suite with a four-axis autopilot.