Story ID: 
Airbus Delivers First H145s To Swiss Rega
By: Mark Huber
Caption: Will Replace Existing EC145 Fleet
Word Count: 189
Airbus has delivered the first two of six H145 helicopters ordered by Swiss Air-Rescue Rega. The new H145s will replace Rega’s existing fleet of EC145s, which will be phased out by mid-2019. The first H145 is expected to be deployed at Rega’s Bern base in October. Over the last 15 years, Rega’s six EC145s have provided airborne medical assistance to approximately 60,000 patients.

“The H145 represents a continuation of our success story and ensures that we can continue to provide our patients with reliable and professional help in the years to come,” said Rega CEO Ernst Kohler.

First delivered as the EC145T2 in 2014, the H145 features two Safran Arriel 2E turboshaft engines (894 shp each), a fenestron shrouded tailrotor system, and the Helionix avionics suite with four-axis autopilot standard. More than 200 H145s have been delivered worldwide and the fleet has accumulated more than 100,000 flight hours. Compared to the earlier generation EC145, the H145 features 21 percent more takeoff power, 39 percent better one-engine-inoperative maximum continuous power, and a 40 percent improvement in ceiling for ground effect hover at maximum takeoff weight.