Story ID: 
Airbus Signs DRF for H145 Upgrades
By: Mark Huber
Caption: DRF Luftrettung will retrofit its Airbus H145 helo fleet with new five-blade upgrade. 
Word Count: 235
German air rescue and ambulance provider DRF Luftrettung has signed on to modify its fleet of Airbus H145D2 helicopters with five-blade main rotors as part of the OEM’s Service Bulletin retrofit kit beginning in next year's fourth quarter. DRF is converting its diverse fleet of 50 helicopters to an all-Airbus fleet of H135 and H145 twins. Earlier this month it took delivery of two new helicopters—one H135 and one H145. 

“In the next few years, we intend to adjust our entire fleet to two models. Afterward, our air rescuers will fly with the H135 and H145 models. This also means greater efficiency for our fleet maintenance and training of our personnel,” said DRF chairman Krystian Pracz. 

The new, foldable five-blade main rotor system is among the upgrades Airbus announced earlier this year for the H145, available as either a retrofit or on new-production aircraft to be called the H145D3. They include Fadec, lower empty weight, and increased useful load. Compared to the D2, the D3 has a slightly smaller main rotor disk, from 36 feet to 35.4 feet, and a 330-pound increase in useful load.

The upgrade kit consists of the rotor blades; transmission kit, comprising rotor mast, swashplate, scissors, control rods with associated assembly, oil cooler, and rotor brake; additional electrical hydraulic pump; Helionix software; new forward cross-tube; and modification/tuning of the horizontal stabilizer.