The Future Is Now © Anthony Pecchi © Anthony CONTENTS

No. 111 - MARCH/APRIL 2018

MISSION BEHIND THE SCENES LOGBOOK The H145 protects HForce’s Florida EMS gets a vital from above powerful side boost from the H155

The future is now © Anthony Pecchi © Anthony CONTENTS

FEATURED ARTICLE TheThe futurefuture isis nownow © Anthony Pecchi © Anthony

IN THE SPOTLIGHT MISSION 4/ First fl ight demonstration 22/ Ten Panthers in Mexican seas for “Skyways” 24/ The H145 protects 360° from above 5/ Events at Airbus Helicopters AROUND THE WORLD UP ABOVE 26/ A decade in La Mancha 16/ Ecureuil helicopters BEHIND THE SCENES supervising the 2018 Dakar Rally 28/ HForce’s powerful side Communication Director: Yves Barillé (Publication Director), Editor LIFE OF THE RANGE in Chief: Belén Morant ([email protected]), OFF THE BEATEN TRACK Director of photography: Jérôme Deulin, Translation: Burton, Van 18/ The H160 Iersel & Whitney, Munich; Amplexor. Published by: , 30/ There’s no mountain Printed by: SPI, N° ISSN 1169-9515 (Copyright Airbus Helicopters high enough for the H145 2018, all rights reserved). Airbus Helicopters’ logo and the names of LOGBOOK its products and services are registered 20/ Florida EMS gets a vital boost trademarks. Magazine printed on Triple Star, paper originating from sustainable forests. from the H155 in the Alps

For more information Follow us on Join us on Follow us on www.airbus.com/Helicopters twitter/AirbusHeli facebook/AirbusHelicopters youtube/AirbusHelicopters

2 / ROTOR - No. 111 - MARCH/APRIL 2018 EDITORIAL © Lorette Fabre © Lorette

After five years at the head of Airbus “Bruno Even are also opportunities to innovate and to Helicopters, and at the point of taking up meet the ever more demanding expec- my post chairing Airbus commercial, it will continue tations of our customers and partners. is not without emotion that I address all Airbus Helicopters’ The digital revolution will be for Airbus of you for the last time from the editorial transformation Helicopters – as for the whole of Airbus page of our magazine, Rotor. Many of you and manage – a considerable lever of advancement know of my profound devotion to helicop- through the digitisation of our operations, ters and the extraordinary missions that our company’s products and services. Data manage- they help carry out. development with ment will allow us to progress in all But it is with a great deal of conﬁ dence success.” domains, starting with the most impor- that I pass the baton to Bruno Even. tant: safety. Bruno is at once a very respected Guillaume Faury I am now joining the fascinating sector of manager and an experienced profes- commercial aviation, but be assured that sional in our industry. I am convinced my attachment to the rotary wing world that he will continue Airbus Helicopters’ will always remain with me. Working with transformation and manage our compa- you has been a real pleasure for me and ny’s development with success. a great privilege, and I will continue to The challenges are no small matter. They follow you with the utmost interest.

ROTOR - No. 111 - MARCH/APRIL 2018 / 3 IN THE SPOTLIGHT

8 February 2018 First fl ight demonstration

for the parcel delivery Watch the video SINGAPORE drone, “Skyways.” on Rotor Online. © S. Ramadier

4 / ROTOR - No. 111 - MARCH/APRIL 2018 360°

STATE OF QATAR SIGNS CONTRACT FOR 28 NH90S

QATAR Qatar signed a contract for the purchase of 28 NH90 military helicopters on the occasion of DIMDEX, Qatar’s biennial defense exhibition. The agreement, which includes 16 NH90s in tactical transport (TTH) confi guration and 12 NH90s in naval (NFH) confi guration, will support the country’s plan to modernise their military helicopter fl eet. As part of the plan, Qatar will receive 16 H125 light single- engine helicopters in training confi guration for operation by the Qatar Armed Forces Air Academy. Leonardo will act as prime contractor for the programme

© DR management with the end customer, while Airbus will be responsible for the fi nal assembly and delivery of 16 NH90 TTH aircraft from its facility in Marignane (France). Leonardo will be responsible for fi nal assembly 51 ADDITIONAL and delivery of the 12 NH90 NFH helicopters from its

USA UH-72A LAKOTAS Venice – Tessera facility in northern Italy. FOR THE US ARMY Airbus Helicopters, Inc. has received two contracts valued at approximately $389 million to deliver 51 additional UH-72A Lakotas for the United States Army. The contracts highlight the US Army’s confi dence in the product and the growth capability of the Lakota programme. The two new contracts include the UH-72A production aircraft, associated technical and fl ight operator manuals, and programme management for the Initial Entry Rotary Wing mission at Fort Rucker and for the Army’s Combat Training Centers.

VOOM’S HELICOPTER COMMUTING SERVICE LAUNCHES IN MEXICO CITY Voom is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Airbus Helicopters MEXICO that was launched in 2016 as an on-demand helicopter booking platform allowing passengers to request a seat on a helicopter within minutes. By providing a more effi cient transportation option to daily commuters, it aims to address challenges associated with rush-hour traffi c by off ering an alternative form of transportation in some of the world’s most congested cities. Riders can book and take off in as little as 60 minutes or plan © 2015 Airbus Group inc © 2015 Airbus Group their trip up to seven days in advance, and only need to arrive at the helipad 15 minutes before boarding time. The Mexican capital is now the world’s second city after São Paulo, Brazil, to off er helicopter commuting services.

ROTOR - No. 111 - MARCH/APRIL 2018 / 5 360°

FIRST DEMONSTRATOR OF A DRONE FOR A WARSHIP The DGA (Direction Générale de l’Armement) has just awarded a contract FRANCE for technology development in the fi eld of rotary-wing drones to the Naval Group and Airbus Helicopters consortium. The contract covers de-risking studies ahead of construction of a future tactical helicopter drone demonstrator aboard warships. The demonstration project will lead to trials of the drone launch system, mission system and airborne vehicle, conducted from a French Navy vessel. The purpose of the contract awarded by the DGA is to identify, deploy and test the technologies necessary for the integration of a tactical drone-system capacity within a heavily armed vessel. It forms part of the preparation of the SDAM (Navy Airborne Drone System), whose entry into service is foreseen for the middle of the next decade on new

EASA ISSUES SINGLE PRODUCTION ORGANISATION APPROVAL TO AIRBUS HELICOPTERS EUROPE The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and Airbus Helicopters have just implemented a new single Production Organisation Approval (POA). This replaces previous national approvals from France, Germany and Spain by a single, integrated framework allowing for simplifi ed industrial exchanges between Airbus Helicopters’ manufacturing facilities, and which supports the company’s © Crown Copyright 2015 Copyright © Crown industrial strategy of site specialisation accross Europe.

NEW SUPPORT ARRANGEMENT FOR RAF PUMA MK2 Airbus Helicopters and the UK Ministry of Defence have signed a Follow-on Support Arrangement contract to provide support to the Royal Air Force Puma 2 fl eet over the planned service life of the aircraft. The contract, worth an initial £100 million, is the fi rst of two pricing periods which will see

UNITED KINGDOM Airbus Helicopters provide full technical support and logistics until March 2022. The contract has the facility to be extended until the currently planned out of service date March 2025, subject to the agreement of both parties. As part of the company’s support off ering, Airbus Helicopters will provide repair and overhaul services in addition to a parts-by-the-hour programme, helping to ensure high availability with stable, value for money maintenance costs. The

6 / ROTOR - No. 111 - MARCH/APRIL 2018 GERMANY © DR chain from fl the capability to operate thepropulsion system The fi Systems unit. of CityAirbus, developed by Airbus’E-Aircraft verifi in Taufkirchen, Germany. Thisenablesthe “power on” ofthe“iron bird” ground test facility important milestone: thecompletion and The CityAirbus programme hasreached another NEXT MILESTONE CITYAIRBUS REACHES demonstrator by mid-2018. the propulsion system willbeembedded onthe After being matured andverifi the electric,mechanical andthermaldynamics. of thepropellers. Thisallows theverifi cation oftheentire electricpropulsion system rst fullelectricpropulsion test benchhas ight controls to thedynamicloads ed ontheiron bird,

AUSTRALIA from Japan,theUnited Kingdom,Spain,Germany andnow Australia. training oftheirpilots andcrewmembers. Theseincludearmedforces train militarypersonnelandis considered theplatform ofchoice for the years respectively. TheH135family which have served theAustralian Defence Force for over 30and40 Australian Navy’s AS350BAandtheAustralian Army’s BellB206 Kiowa from theH135family. Thenewhelicopters are replacing theRoyal trained by BoeingandCommonwealth instructors using15helicopters Nowra. Upto 116Navy andArmy pilots andaircrew peryear willbe Australian Defence Forces’ newtraining helicopter atHMASAlbatross, The fi TRAINING SYSTEM COMMENCES TRAINING AUSTRALIAN HELICOPTER AIRCREW rst group ofstudents commenced training mid-January onthe

PAKISTAN and frost bite. who was suff dropping thematNangaParbat basecamp to extricate Ms.Revol, who were attempting awinter summitofanother and peak,K2, The missioninvolved pickingupfour membersofarescue team Elisabeth Revol to safety. a rescue team to withinaday’s journeysaved crucialtimeingetting Pakistan’s NangaParbat peak.Theirtransport offour membersof Two H125Mswere usedintherescue ofadistressed climberon IN PAKISTAN TWO H125sHELP RESCUE CLIMBER ering from high-altitude pulmonary oedema (HAPE) ering from high-altitudepulmonaryoedema(HAPE) is usedextensively worldwide to ROTOR -No. 111 -MARCH/APRIL 2018 /7 8 / ROTOR - No. 111 - MARCH/APRIL 2018 FEATURED ARTICLES

THE FUTURE IS NOW

Change is the only constant, and adaptation the most reliable path. Helicopters are no exception to this universal law. What would have seemed like science fi ction a few years ago has become a reality today. With three prototypes fl ying, the fi rst pre-series in the assembly line, and a roadmap for support and services tested in real operating conditions, the H160 is now the fi rst helicopter of the next generation off ered on the market. The H160 combines product innovation with the innovation of its industrial model and support planning. This helicopter has been adapted to the demands of customers, who are looking for a silent, vibration-free helicopter that is, above all, easy to maintain and mature when it enters into service. Designed in the digital age, the H160 also benefi ts from the connected technology of its era. It’s the helicopter of the future that’s available today. © Anthony Pecchi © Anthony

ROTOR - No. 111 - MARCH/APRIL 2018 / 9 FEATURED ARTICLES

“THE H160 IS THE FIRST HELICOPTER OF THE NEXT GENERATION” Programme director Bernard Fujarski takes stock of the H160. The programme is eff ectively entering the home straight with fi rst delivery planned for the end of 2019. Article: Monique Colonges

What are the major events that conditions. The cold weather campaign called Operator Zero dedicated to air- occurred in 2017 concerning has allowed us to check that the H160 craft maintenance (see Rotor no. 110), the H160 programme? copes well in extreme temperatures up were also carried out in 2017. The com- Bernard Fujarski: The grand fi nale of to -35 °C, while the campaign dedicated mon aim of all these tests was ensuring 2017 was, without doubt, the takeoff to lightning indirect effects (LIE) allowed the best level of helicopter maturity for of the third prototype in October. At us to check the design of our compos- when the H160 goes into service at the the end of 2017, the three prototypes ite structure. From a production point end of 2019. together had accumulated nearly of view, we received the fi rst station of 600 fl ight hours. the assembly line in December. With the Which important steps will be taken Over the course of 2017, we ran three arrival of the fi rst centre structure, made in 2018 in the H160 programme? major campaigns. The snow campaign in Donauwörth, we have moved from the B.F.: 2018 marks the start of the home gave us a better understanding of air design phase to the production phase. stretch before the entry into service in input behaviour under severe snowy On the support side, two campaigns less than two years’ time. In early 2018,

The cold weather campaign was carried out in Canada at the beginning of 2017. © Jerôme Deulin © Jerôme

10 / ROTOR - No. 111 - MARCH/APRIL 2018 The third H160 prototype will be H160 used by the Operator Zero team to simulate fl ights in completely realistic operating conditions.

• Capacity: 1 or 2 pilots + up to 12 passengers • Powerplant: 2 Safran HE Arrano engines • Fast cruise speed: 155 kts / 285 km/h • Max range: > 460 NM © Thierry Rostang

the PT2 went to the US for several What added value does the H160 months: it participated fi rst in the Heli- off er to customers? Expo trade fair before performing fl ight B.F.: The H160 is the fi rst helicopter of demonstrations for customers, after the next generation that combines prod- which it will head to Dallas to carry out uct innovation, innovation in production, fl ights with FAA representatives, with the and innovation in terms of support. view to gaining American certifi cation. The H160 is, of course, equipped with There will also be a hot weather cam- numerous technological innovations paign in Colorado and a new Operator which were the subject of no less than Zero campaign with American custom- 68 patent fi lings, like the Blue Edge blade ers before the aircraft comes back to which achieves better performance with France. 2018 also marks an acceleration less environmental impact. But the H160 in delivering certification documents, will also offer customers a high level of most of which will need to be delivered quality thanks to our development logic by the end of the year. The two other and the verifi cation and validation pro- prototypes will be put through test cam- cess that allows us to be fully confi dent paigns in parallel. The first pre-series in the level of maturity we can offer to © Eric Raz will be the fi rst to be manufactured on a customers, as soon as the helicopter completely new generation of assembly goes into service. What’s more, with a “We are fully confi dent in the line, combining performance, quality, simplifi ed maintenance plan, which has level of maturity we can off er ergonomics and safety (see page 12). been designed with customers, sup- From a support perspective, which is ported by digital tools, and combined to customers, as soon as the a key aspect of the H160 programme, with the HCare service, support for this helicopter goes into service.” 2018 will mark the start of production of helicopter will be a real asset in compar- deliverables for our customers. ison to our competitors. Bernard Fujarski, Programme Director of the H160.

ROTOR - No. 111 - MARCH/APRIL 2018 / 11 FEATURED ARTICLES

ASSEMBLY LINE INNOVATION The H160’s fi nal assembly line in Marignane refl ects the aircraft it is designed to build: high-performance, innovative and marked by excellence. Article: Alexandre Marchand

“When designing this assembly line, our advance and thus guarantee an indus- where the work has also been optimised aim was to create the shortest possi- trial cycle of the aircraft that is twice as to reduce cycles. This innovative and ble assembly cycle, while also attaining short as it was for previous generations demanding industrial organisation has a high level of industrial maturity from of aircraft.” been validated by taking advantage of entry into service,” explains Laurence “Another benefit of using the MCAs the aircraft’s digitalisation and innovative Béjat, Head of the H160 assembly line. is limiting the number of components simulation methods, such as RING* or that need to be assembled on the line,” “verify and validate” (V&V) processes. SIMPLER AND QUICKER continues Laurence Béjat. “Fewer A high level of maturity is expected as To achieve this aim, Airbus Helicopters components make for quicker, simpler soon as the FAL comes into service, and Latécoère (see sidebar) capital- and better-quality assembly. So we’ve where an assessment of workstation ised on the concept of major compo- evolved from a manufacturing line to a ergonomics has made it possible to set nent assembly (MCA) defined in the real assembly line.” the ambitious aim of zero assembly line framework of the company’s industrial accidents. strategy: “The H160 is divided into A HIGH LEVEL OF MATURITY Initially, the manufacture of ten pre-series sub-assemblies, the MCAs, which are The scenario involves the MCAs con- aircraft will make it possible to check all manufactured, equipped and tested verging towards the assembly line, the FAL’s workings. Ramp-up will occur independently before they even arrive consisting of five assembly stations gradually until 2020 to reach an output at the fi nal assembly line (FAL),” out- operating in a fl owline. Every eight days, of 45 aircraft per year. lines Laurence Béjat. “This simulta- the in-progress aircraft go from one * RING: Assembly of the fi rst series aircraft neous execution of industrial tasks station to the next. At the end of the by rigorously following the optimal assembly makes it possible to counter risks far in fi fth station, they arrive at the fl ight line, sequence, with the main parties present.

An assembly line in fi ve steps

Station 1: Delivery of MCA centre Station 2: Installation Station 3: Installation fuselage and start of assembly with of air conditioning and cockpit of MCA main dynamic assembly installation of harnesses avionic bay and rear fuselage

12 / ROTOR - No. 111 - MARCH/APRIL 2018 © Eric Raz

An innovative industrial tool Drawing on the experience of Airbus’ for the operators. A platform makes it vehicles (AGVs), robotic vehicles tasked commercial aircraft branch, Airbus possible for work to be carried out safely with moving the aircraft from one assembly Helicopters utilised Latécoère’s know- on two levels at the same time. The supply station to another, at the end of each how to design and build the H160 Final of parts directly to the upper zone reduces cycle, every week. It’s a job that takes just Assembly Line (FAL). At the heart of the operator movements, which can result in fi ve minutes, with no human involvement FAL, fi ve assembly stations are organised accidents and wasted time. The engines and required. Another example is the use of around elevating tables which raise the dynamic assemblies are installed using semi- a robotic arm which can place the entire aircraft to the optimal position, thus automatic hoists. Even more innovation avionics bay into the aircraft in just a few providing favourable working conditions is provided in the form of automatic guided minutes and one sole movement.

Station 4: Installation Station 5: Ground test of engine and landing gear and fi nal quality check

ROTOR - No. 111 - MARCH/APRIL 2018 / 13 FEATURED ARTICLES

THE H160’S WOW EFFECT From EMS to VIP, the H160 seems poised to fi nd its place in a variety of segments. A look at where the fi rst member of the next generation fi ts in the market. Article: Heather Couthaud

Since it was unveiled for the fi rst time at medium-class segment—in a vastly says Luc Bentolila, Head of Marketing Heli-Expo in 2015, Airbus Helicopters’ new and improved way. and Sales Development for Airbus H160 is proving good on its promise The H160 was originally designed and Helicopters. “It offers the option of com- to revolutionise the manufacturer’s developed for civil missions. “But its ver- bining multiple purposes within just one range, rating positive comments from satility means that for military customers aircraft.” Among its many uses, the those who have fl own aboard its pro- the H160 can replace aging fl eets cur- H160 will be confi gured for law enforce- totypes (see below). Targeted for the rently comprising a variety of helicop- ment and public services, private and medium helicopter market, Airbus ters. For civil and parapublic markets, business aviation, as well as transport Helicopters’ goal in developing the it positions as the most innovative and and offshore industries such as oil and H160 was to address the needs of the mission-driven aircraft of the market,” gas and wind farms. Further, the aircraft

The friendly helicopter: what people are saying about the H160

After more than 600 hours in three prototypes, Rotor leaves the fl oor to customers who had the “I had very good impressions opportunity to take fl ight with the fl ight. The helicopter fl ies on board the H160. “The fi rst helicopter which fast with very low vibration levels. Photos: Airbus Helicopters / is produced for pilots and This is what the pilot is expecting, Productions Autrement Dit passengers. There is just one to be able to speed up the engine word: it´s amazing. It´s amazing without perceiving vibrations. how easy it is to fl y. Everything Very good. basically which was told It is easy to fl y and has great [to me], was given [proof] visibility for landing in restricted today on the fl ight.” areas, which is where helicopters usually operate.” Watch Sascha Fleischmann the video. Pilot – LionsAir, Switzerland – VIP Mauro Allegrini Pilot – Air Corporate, Italy – VIP

14 / ROTOR - No. 111 - MARCH/APRIL 2018 will also feature a “green conﬁ guration” for emergency medical services (EMS) allowing it to accommodate the most suitable mission conﬁ guration.

A CLASS OF ITS OWN A host of considerations have accom- panied the H160’s development, starting with overhauling its industrial model to embrace the digital age and Deulin © Jerôme to draw on the experience of Airbus. The H160’s design – reflected in 68 new patents – further puts it in a class ease of use. The helicopter’s maturity many quarters, notably the EMS and of its own, since its designers set out to has been steadily honed in anticipation VIP segments, where the H160’s low make the aircraft of tomorrow. Hence of its certiﬁ cation and entry into service sound footprint has the potential to its low sound levels – “not only a com- in 2019, giving rise to improvements make a big impact. “Everyone who sees fort element, a safety element,” says in maintenance procedures, ease of it says wow,” says Bentolila. “There is a Bentolila, commenting that less sound access to the aircraft, and 3D and inter- wow effect, and we hope that the same means clearer communication between active documentation. will apply to its maintenance and opera- pilot and passengers – and an overall Interest in the H160 is coming from tion—that it’s wow for the long term.”

“The cabin volume is pretty impressive. It is a big aircraft, [and] there´s a lot of space, especially in the back. [When it came] time “I wasn´t expecting an aircraft to show us the capabilities of the with electric commands that “My general impression is that aircraft, it´s a very manoeuvrable really took care of the pilot and you can feel that it´s really machine, especially considering its sort of managed the systems a new, modern helicopter. size. The autopilot and the avionics so well. So I was quite surprised It´s completely new. My original are a fantastic improvement over at how well it performed, expectations, because I´ve seen the current generation. But the especially autopilot out. it online and in pictures, were visibility, you see very quickly that´s Keep doing a fantastic job! to feel like it´s a brand new thing, a huge improvement. I mean, You are building a fantastic and it really felt like a modern we have very good visibility with aeroplane. I hope to fl y it one helicopter.” the machine.” day up in the North Sea.”

Mattias Nilsson Tom Sherony Christopher Daly Pilot – Laroy Flyg, Pilot – University of Michigan, Pilot – Bristow, UK - Off shore Sweden- HEMS USA - HEMS

ROTOR - No. 111 - MARCH/APRIL 2018 / 15 Ecureuil helicopters supervise the 2018 Dakar Rally. In this picture, the Peugeot 3008 from David Castera during Stage 11 / © Eric Vargiolu / DPPI UP ABOVE 16 /ROTOR -No. 111-MARCH/APRIL 2018 ROTOR -No. 111 -MARCH/APRIL 2018 /17

The H160 opens a new chapter in the history of Airbus Helicopters. It has been designed to create added value for customers with its performance, economic competitiveness, safety and comfort. Both cleaner and quieter, the H160 takes a step forward in showing respect for the environment.

NEXT-LEVEL PERFORMANCE

• More than one tonne of payload up to 120 NM radius-of-action

• New-generation turboshaft engine

• Faster than ever

NEW-GENERATION

DESIGN FOR • Blue Edge® blades GREATER PASSENGER • Biplane stabiliser™ COMFORT AND • Canted Fenestron® PERFORMANCE • Full-composite airframe

Light maintenance plan Built-in safety

Exceptional handling and external visibility • Extra-large push-out windows Enhanced access to Flexible Fully digital • Power margins anytime maintenance points maintenance plan maintenance tools • Full flight envelope protection

18 / ROTOR - No. 111 - MARCH/APRIL 2018 compared toprevious to 1 generation engines (+20 minreserve) Less fuelburn: or 12 Fast cruise endurance: 5,670 > Maximum da Capacity: 4 (285 km/h) 155 Maximum (12,500 lb) 460 speed: MTOW: 2 - h range:

15 passengers

10 pilots t

% kts NM a m

kg +up feels This is aviation business Private & Transport Missions in alarge,brightcabin sound andlowvibration comfort thanksto Greater passenger . how exceptional low . ROTOR -No. 111 -MARCH/APRIL 2018 /19 better patientcare volume The largestcabin services missions. equipment A widerangeof services Public EMS initsclass for public for .

Source: Airbus. Infographic: beatrizsantacruz.com © LOGBOOK

1 - The H135’s anti-resonance isolation system ensures that patients are given the smoothest possible ride in the quietest cabin in its class.

2 - ShandsCair bases are located in Gainesville, Summerfi eld, Perry, Panama City, and Milton, Florida.

3 - One of the main factors that led ShandsCair to choose the H155 were the cabin size, payload and range.

4 - Edward Crews, programme Director for the UF Health

USA Florida EMS gets ShandsCair Critical Care Transport Program. a vital boost from the H155 5 - Among their fi ve helicopters, ShandsCair uses two H135s For its critical care transport, the University of Florida health system in EMS confi guration. looks to ShandsCair, which operates helicopters, including two H135s and one H155, and ground transportation out of fi ve bases in Florida. Article: Heather Couthaud - Photos: Lorette Fabre

The blue-and-orange helicopter touches down, the nurse checks the patient’s vital signs while the paramedic cheerful logo on its paint scheme just visible to onlookers: prepares the equipment for intracranial pressure monitor- an alligator in white scrubs toting a medical bag. As soon ing. Because UF Health ShandsCair physicians establish ShandsCair as the rotors slow, members of the ShandsCair 1 medical care protocols directly with ShandsCair clinicians, the fast facts team duck out of the H155, which has been dispatched to treatment in fl ight is immediately followed up once the Founded: 1981, initially transport a head trauma patient to the University of Florida patient arrives at the hospital. (UF) Health Shands Hospital. The patient is loaded by with neo/pediatric fl ight stretcher into the aircraft’s interior – one of just a handful READY FOR ANY EMERGENCY and ground teams of HEMS-confi gured H155s in operation in the US – and “We got called for an automobile crash south of Headquarters: the aircraft with its precious cargo takes off. Gainesville and the weather had turned pretty bad,” says Gainesville, New to the fleet since April 2017 is this H155 in med- Crews. “Other operations in the area had turned it down Florida (USA) ical confi guration, which operates out of ShandsCair’s because of weather. Because our H155 is IFR-capable, Fleet: fi xed-wing aircraft, Gainesville base located at UH Health Shands. “The we were able to lift off from here, pick up IFR clearance, fl y H155 not only extends our range a lot further than most down to the middle part of Florida in the clouds, meet the 5 helicopters (of which, helicopters can reach, but increases our payload,” says EMS crew at the airport, pick up the patient, and safely 2 H135 and 1 H155), Edward Crews, Programme Director for the UF Health bring them back to the hospital where they got the care 9 ground ambulances, ShandsCair Critical Care Transport Program. “It increases they deserved.” 2 medical transport vans our capability by providing for multiple medical cases on The helicopter touches down on the hospital helipad and one transport—where other teams would only be able to staff quickly wheel the trauma patient to the ICU. His con- Florida bases: provide two medical personnel, we can send up to four.” dition has been given the best possible chance for recov- Gainesville, Panama City, ery, thanks to ShandsCair’s skilled – and fast – work. Summerfi eld, Perry, Milton WORKING AGAINST THE CLOCK (all of Florida is covered Operating critical-care transport for the UF health care by the H155’s range) system for 36 years, ShandsCair is a specialist in working against the clock. As part of the programme’s adult/pedi- “One of the things that stands Average number of patients atric team, a medical crew consisting of a registered nurse transported yearly: 7,000 (RN)/paramedic and a critical care paramedic respond to out about the H155 is the adult and pediatric cases for infants older than 30 days. safety and capability to work Average number of For neonatal emergencies, the crew comprises a neonatal in environments that most other heli-missions per year: RN and a registered respiratory therapist. In the cockpit, 1,100, of which the H155 one pilot gets direction from the communications centre, EMS helicopter systems would performs around 450 which also coordinates the service’s fi xed-wing and rotary not be able to operate in.” fl eet, ground ambulances and vans. En route to the hospital, a fl ight which averages about an Edward Crews, Programme Director for the UF Health hour for the majority of ShandsCair’s rescues, the fl ight ShandsCair Critical Care Transport Program.

20 / ROTOR - No. 111 - MARCH/APRIL 2018 1 2

H155

• Maximum take-off weight: 4,920 kg - 10,846 lb

• Capacity: 2 pilots + 13 passengers

• Engine: 2 Safran HE Arriel 2C2

• Fast cruise speed: 266 km/h - 144 kts

• Range: 784 km - 423 NM

• Endurance: 4 h 03 min 3

4 5

ROTOR - No. 111 - MARCH/APRIL 2018 / 21 MISSION

Ten Panthers in Mexican seas

MEXICO As of December 2017, the Mexican Navy has been operating ten AS565 MBe Panther helicopters, the result of an order for ten units in November 2014, when the Mexican Navy became the aircraft’s launch customer. Below, an overview of the qualities of this model, which has become an essential part of the Mexican Navy’s fl eet. Article: Belén Morant - Photos: Anthony Pecchi

Versatile, safe and effi cient. That’s how the Mexican Navy family since 2004,” explains Admiral José María García describes the MBe Panther after approximately two years Macedo, General Coordinator of Naval Aeronautics for of its use in various operations. Its maximum take-off weight the Mexican Navy. “The MBe’s capabilities can be used has increased signifi cantly from 4,300 kg to 4,500 kg. But in both marine and land-based environments for mis- 1 this isn’t the only improvement: the MBe Panther also offers sions like search and rescue (SAR), or to support the civil optimised performance in high and hot environments, population in disaster areas or areas affected by natural and features modern avionics with a vehicle and engine catastrophes. It can also be used for cargo load jobs and multifunction display (VEMD) and sophisticated mission as an air ambulance. In total, each Panther logs approx- 1 - The Panthers’ maximum take-off equipment for greater operational capabilities, allowing it imately 300 fl ight hours per year.” weight has increased to achieve a top speed of almost 280 km/h and a range of signifi cantly from 780 km. All of these qualities make this helicopter a safe FIRST-CLASS EQUIPMENT 4,300 kg to 4,500 kg. and cost-effi cient model for the missions it covers. The Panther helicopters are operated at various bases 2 - The Navy’s MBe “The MBe version is a more modern helicopter with an in the Gulf of Mexico and on the Mexican Pacifi c coast. Panthers are equipped advanced four-axis autopilot and generally improved Their role also includes being stationed on logistic ships with a rescue winch performance and features thanks to engines that are which carry out ocean patrols – Navy ships with hangars with a capacity of more powerful than those of its predecessor. This is the and platforms to house the Panthers – from which the 272 kg and a forward third version of the Panther to be used by the Mexican helicopters respond to maritime emergencies and provide looking infrared (FLIR). Navy, which has been operating helicopters from this protection to oceangoing fl eets. To prepare them for a wide range of missions, the Navy’s MBe Panthers are equipped with a rescue winch with a capacity of 272 kg and a forward looking infrared (FLIR) “In total, each Panther logs camera for SAR missions at night. Furthermore, they can also be equipped with up to four stretchers for medical approximately 300 fl ight hours evacuations and casualty transport, as well as with a load per year. We are very satisfi ed hook. “The personnel of different squadrons consider this with the new Panther.” helicopter easy to fl y, especially due to its technology and avionics, which facilitate operations and increase security View operational Admiral José María García Macedo, General Coordinator throughout missions. We are very satisfi ed with the new pictures on of Naval Aeronautics for the Mexican Navy. Panther,” affi rms Admiral García Macedo. Rotor Online.

22 / ROTOR - No. 111 - MARCH/APRIL 2018 2 Rescue in high seas

On 2 August 2017, two crew members of a tuna boat were aboard a piston helicopter as part of fi shing activities, where they suff ered an accident and fell into the sea 370 km south-east of Puerto Chiapas. An MBe Panther equipped for medical evacuations set off from the ocean patrol of the Mexican Navy “Durango” to rescue the crew members. The injured crew were immediately transported to a regional hospital to receive specialised medical care, given the severity of their injuries.

ROTOR - No. 111 - MARCH/APRIL 2018 / 23 MISSION

1 © Airbus Helicopters/Christian Keller © Airbus Helicopters/Christian

2 3 el © Polizeihubschrauberstaff

4 © Airbus Helicopters/Christian Keller © Airbus Helicopters/Christian © Airbus Helicopters/Christian Keller © Airbus Helicopters/Christian

24 / ROTOR - No. 111 - MARCH/APRIL 2018 1 - The state of Baden- Württemberg was the fi rst customer to receive an H145 used for police missions in 2015.

2 - The operator workplace onboard the H145 is equipped with large monitors. Filmed material can also be downlinked to police stations on the ground in real time.

3 - The Baden- Württemberg police also use their H145s for rescue missions and winching operations.

4 - The H145s of the Baden-Württemberg police are versatile multi mission police helicopters equipped The H145 protects from above with a state of the art camera system. From missing people to manhunts and surveillance, whenever GERMANY the police force needs aerial support, the pilots of Baden-Württemberg’s police helicopter unit take off in their H145 aircraft. Article: Joerg Michel

It’s just a few weeks before Christmas, and temperatures obscured by branches and leaves, we can still detect are freezing. At the airport in Stuttgart, Christian Daxkobler them by their heat signature.” A few minutes go by before is on his way to the hangar. A man has gone missing from Daxkobler spots a signature. He notifi es his colleagues a retirement home and Daxkobler, who has been with over the onboard radio, and they land the helicopter near Baden-Württemberg’s police helicopter unit for four-and- to where the heat signature was detected. The elderly a-half years, has been called into action. Daxkobler takes man is lying on his back on the ground—he’s alive. The his place at the computer workstation in the passenger crew administers first aid until the emergency doctor cabin and, together with his two pilots, the H145 helicop- arrives on the scene. ter takes off on its potentially life-saving mission. “Saving lives is our top priority,” says Martin Landgraf. “We’ve seen an increase in these sorts of callouts in “Last year, we successfully located 62 missing people, all recent years,” says Martin Landgraf, deputy chief of still alive, but people who might well have died without the Baden-Württemberg’s police helicopter unit. “The H145 help of our police helicopter unit.” is a state-of-the-art police helicopter we can use to support our colleagues on the ground in precisely these sorts POWERFUL AND VERSATILE of situations. It comes equipped with an image-stabilised, Missions are far from restricted to searches for missing high-defi nition camera system for both natural light and people, however. The Baden-Württemberg police heli- thermal imaging scenarios, which can be coupled with copter unit’s state-of-the-art H145s also assist in fl ights Baden- the helicopter’s searchlight, allowing us to see much more for environmental protection, the documentation of Württemberg than police on the ground can see.” The visuals can be severe accidents, and hunts for criminals. “The H145’s police analysed from within the helicopter by an operator sit- versatility is very important for us,” says Landgraf. “We helicopter unit ting at a workstation equipped with a 22-inch computer also use the H145 to transport our special units and screen. At the same time, images are also relayed in real to perform rescue missions from the air with special time to the police dispatch and even to patrol cars on the abseiling equipment.” • 6 H145 helicopters ground as required. Since 2016, Baden-Württemberg’s police helicopter unit • 72 employees has operated a total of six H145 helicopters at its two THERMAL IMAGING FOR locations in Stuttgart and Söllingen. A total of 72 peo- • 2,600 missions a year A SUCCESSFUL SEARCH ple are on call around the clock. “Last year, our fl eet of • Helicopter crew: The helicopter has arrived at the target area, and it is now H145s fl ew over 2,600 missions, more than 700 of them 2 pilots and a systems that Daxkobler’s work begins. He uses the electro-optical at night,” says Landgraf. “Thanks to the compatibility of operator system to scan the area in which the missing person is Helionix with night vision goggles, the H145 is very well • 24 hours a day, thought to be. “The thermal imaging camera allows us to suited for this purpose. On top of that, the H145’s greater 365 days a year spot details we simply couldn’t see with the naked eye,” payload capacity and boosted performance help us stay explains Daxkobler. “And even if someone is partially in the air longer.”

ROTOR - No. 111 - MARCH/APRIL 2018 / 25 AROUND THE WORLD

1 - The Albacete plant was inaugurated in March 2007. It has 90,000 m2 of buildings on 150,000 m2 of land next to the airport.

2 - Francisco Vergé, Managing Director of Airbus Helicopters España.

3 - Eight NH90 are in operation in Spain, with a ninth to be delivered very soon.

A decade in La Mancha SPAIN Ten years after its creation, the Airbus Helicopters factory in Albacete

(Spain) has established itself as a fundamental pillar of the company’s © Airbus Helicopters industrial strategy. Moreover, its commercial development has been a resounding success despite a diffi cult economic environment. Article: Belén Morant

Now that its industrial plant has seen a decade of oper- national support centre to support the fl eet of the Spanish ation, Airbus Helicopters España has become an irre- Ministry of Defence, similar to that in France and Germany, placeable economic actor in Castilla la Mancha. The will be a fundamental step in Airbus Helicopters España’s company employs about 500 people in Spain, but gen- commitment to the availability and operational capability erates such a large amount of indirect and service-sec- of the country’s armed forces helicopters. tor employment that it is estimated that in just ten years the direct return on investment has been quadrupled. In CENTRE OF INDUSTRIAL EXCELLENCE the province, it counts as the highest-invoicing company As part of Airbus Helicopters’ new industrial strategy, and it has earned a reputation as a committed neighbour its manufacturing plants are being primed to specialise thanks to its support for environmental policies and train- in the production of certain fundamental components. ing programmes featuring high technological content. Thus, the Albacete factory is set to become a centre of excellence for the manufacture and integration of rear LOCAL PROTAGONISTS fuselages for all Airbus helicopters globally. “In this decade, we have delivered more than 180 new “This approach means the absolute integration of our helicopters to a fl eet of 320 Airbus helicopters. That is plant into the Airbus Helicopters industrial strategy, and to say, more than 50% of the Spanish fleet of Airbus offers greater stability, visibility and sustainability to our Helicopters has been renewed,” highlights Francisco project in Spain,” explains Francisco Vergé. “For us, this Vergé, Managing Director of Airbus Helicopters España. decision guarantees keeping sustainable jobs. For the Airbus Helicopters now boasts a market share of almost company, this specialisation implies further improving the 95% in the Spanish para-public sector. Most are helicop- quality and competitiveness of our products. We all have ters that carry out activities for various state institutions something to gain from this new collaboration.” such as customs, maritime fi shing, and maritime rescue, In addition to its industrial activities, Airbus Helicopters whose trust in Airbus dates back to the nineteen seven- España also takes care of engineering R&D, mainte- ties. On the other hand, the market share in the civil sector nance and modernisation of helicopters, certifi cation and - mainly EMS operations, fi re fi ghting and aerial work in qualifi cation (including fl ight tests), deliveries, as well as general - remains stable at more than 60%. As for the mil- logistics support for customers in the civil, military and itary fl eet, Airbus Helicopters España expects the current para-public sectors.

60% market share to grow in the coming years, according *DGAM: Dirección General de Armamento y Material (Directorate- Airbus Helicopters to the master plan of the DGAM*. The creation in 2018 of a General of Armament and Material). ©

26 / ROTOR - No. 111 - MARCH/APRIL 2018 Airbus Helicopters España

• Workforce: 500 employees (more than 600 counting temporary employees and direct subcontractors)

• Activities: - Sales and marketing - Production and development engineering - Aerostructures production and fi nal assembly - Maintenance, retrofi tting and modernisation (including non-Airbus military helicopters)

• Revenue: €390 million in 2017

• In-service fl eet: 340 helicopters 1

ROTOR - No. 111 - MARCH/APRIL 2018 / 27 BEHIND THE SCENES

PARTNERS Watch videos Gun pods: on Rotor Online. FN Herstal HMP400

Cannon pods: Nexter NC621

HForce’s powerful side Unguided rockets: Thales FZ231 HForce – Airbus’ H-generation weapon system – was designed based on the experience gained from the Tiger helicopter. Laser-guided rockets: It can be fi tted FZ275 LGR from Thales on Airbus’ military range of helicopters to off er the entire spectrum of operational capabilities. This system will allow military forces that may Helmet-mounted display: or may not be able to invest in specialised helicopters to complete Scorpion from Thales

light attack missions at an aff ordable cost. EOS: MX-15D Article: Belén Morant and Joerg Michel from L3 WESCAM

Defence agencies gain more fl exibility EQUIPMENT JUST FOR in the management MILITARY HELICOPTERS? of their weapons HForce is much more. It is a simple, modular and stock because incremental weapon system designed by Airbus to be ﬁ tted weapon pods allow arms to to any military version of an Airbus helicopter – all with the be interchanged capacity to be retroﬁ tted – to convert the aircraft to a light from one aircraft attack helicopter with the minimum of integration. to another. Today, there are HForce offers for the H125M, H145M and the H225M for the entire spectrum of missions, ranging from armed reconnaissance to utility and attack missions.

The gunner and pilot can share information via their helmets as they would in an attack

HOW DOES IT WORK? Like a Swiss Army knife, HForce offers a multi-purpose mission computer and a large set of weapons (air-to- air, air-to-ground, ballistic or guided) to address any operational need. This technically-advanced solution takes into account the different aspects of fi ring accuracy: weapon recoil, centre of gravity, ground clearance and vehicle separation. Moreover, the gunner and pilot can share information via their helmets as they would in an attack helicopter, thus ensuring extremely effective fi ring accuracy, mandatory when providing fi re support to troops in combat.

© XXXX an idealcomplementtospecialised helicopters. attack capabilitiesasaninitialprocurement oras defence agenciestoacquire armedscoutorlight on ﬂ ying. Affordable andavailable,HForce allows helicopter’s weaponswhilethepilotconcentrates the Tiger’s, inwhichthegunner managesthe an interchangeable armamentsystemsimilarto crewconcerning resource management,tooffer helicopter,experience withtheTiger especially mission successfully. AirbusHelicoptersusedits have everythingtheyneedtocompletetheir providing helicopters,ensuringthatoperators Airbus Helicopters’missiongoesfarbeyond BUILDING ONEXPERIENCE rockets is plannedfor theendof 2019. 2018, whilethatof thelaser-guided H145M isscheduledfor theendof of theballisticHForce systemonthe of upto4.5km.Finalqualifi Following thefi in Hungary andSweden H145M fi of lessthanametre fi rockets hitthetargetwith adeviation the electro-optical system.Allfi target engagementcapabilities of laser-guided rockets were testedwith place inSweden inDecember 2017, second fi display developed by Thales.Ina rockets usingahelmet-mountedsight pods, cannon podsandunguided weapon systemthatincludedgun test inHungary withtheHForce completed aballisticdevelopment of lastyear. InOctober, theH145M two fi helicopter successfully performed site inDonauwörth, Germany, the 2017 attheAirbusHelicopters with HForce weaponry inAugust ROTOR -No. 111 -MARCH/APRIL 2018 /29 ring campaigns over thecourse ring campaign, which took ring campaign, whichtook ring campaigns rst fl ight of an H145M ight of anH145M red atadistance cation cation red red OFF THE BEATEN TRACK

Andes operates four H125s for transport of staff and cargo (internal and external), seismic exploration, or magnetometry missions, among others.

There’s no mountain high enough PERU A thirty-minute commute to work is normal. However, if your work is in a mine at an altitude of more than 4,000 metres, things get more diffi cult. With its new H145, Los Andes Air Services transports workers to the Las Bambas mine in just 28 minutes, instead of four hours by car. Below, a summary of this and many other high altitude missions with the H145. Article: Belén Morant - Photos: Andes

The arid coasts, high Andean altitudes and lush Amazon flight hours, it currently has eight aircraft, including four jungle have marked the development of companies in Peru. H125s and one H145—the fi rst of its kind in the region. Rural roads and the lack of access have made many raw “Our activities with the helicopter include transporting staff materials in the country go unexploited for decades. The and cargo (internal and external), aerial work like seismic company Los Andes Air Services (Andes) was founded in exploration, magnetometry, search and rescue, and med- this context nearly 13 years ago. With more than 80,000 ical evaluations, as well as tourist fl ights in the Cusco area. Now, we are also exploring new possibilities in the fi eld of the urban air taxi in Lima,” explains Enrique Torres, Andes “After concluding the certifi cation process Commercial Director. of the H145, we had the opportunity to take THE H145—A HIGH AND HOT EXPERT Ever since Andes acquired its fi rst H145 in April of last year, a direct fl ight between Lima and Cuzco, the company has carried out all kinds of passenger trans- something extremely rare for such a light portation missions in the regions of Cuzco and Abancay, an helicopter. The fl ight took just three hours and Andean area with altitudes that go up to and above 6,000 metres above sea level. Aerial operations in the Peruvian 30 minutes, whereas it normally takes four Andes are very demanding, not just due to the diffi culties hours, including a stopover in Ayacucho.” of the typical mountain environment, with unpredictable winds and abrupt weather changes, but also because of Enrique Torres, Andes Commercial Director. the temperatures, which vary from -10°C up to 30°C in

30 / ROTOR - No. 111 - MARCH/APRIL 2018 Workers from MMG Las Bambas appreciate the H145´s security, comfort, silence.

The road to the mine of Las Bambas is unpaved and sinuous: bus transport can be risky summer. “Given these conditions, it was necessary to fi nd and long. an aircraft with exceptional characteristics, like the H145, an aircraft that surpassed our expectations,” says Luis Fontenoy Miranda, CEO of Andes. “As a state-of-the-art aircraft with cutting edge technology, the H145 offers features that are adapted to our country’s geography, and our operations,” Enrique Torres points out. “The fl ight is super comfortable, safe and pleasant, both for the crew and for the passengers. The automated con- trol makes the helicopter very stable, and allows it to be operated in all of its dimensions. Our customers especially appreciate the effi ciency, comfort and safety of the aircraft.”

CLIMBING UP TO THE MINE Andes’ customers include the company MMG Las Bambas, which manages a copper mine that is in south- ern Peru, with an estimated total of more than one million tonnes of the precious metal. Each day, the H145 transports MMG personnel to a mining complex in approxi- “The versatility and multi-mission mately 30 minutes: a route that could take between seven capacity of the H145 have allowed to eight hours by ground transportation, without counting us to quickly respond to medical all of the safety risks involved with driving those unpaved, sinuous roads, not to mention the dangers inherent to the evacuations by air that have occurred Andean mountain range. in places that are diffi cult to access “One time, on an early morning fl ight between Cuzco and Las Bambas, one of our passengers fell asleep during the and far from medical centres that can fl ight, and was only awakened when alerted by the pilot. handle emergencies.” After leaving the aircraft, he explained that it was the fi rst time he was able to sleep in a helicopter, because it was Luis Fontenoy Miranda, CEO of Andes. so comfortable and silent...anecdotes like that are proof of the comfort and tranquillity that the H145 provides in fl ight,” Enrique Torres recounts with a smile.

ROTOR - No. 111 - MARCH/APRIL 2018 / 31 RELY ON.

FLY WE MAKE IT

The new generation H160 boasts a range of unparalleled safety features. Maximized pilot visibility, intuitive information display, unrivalled pilot assistance with Helionix,® and unmatched fl ight envelope protection. What’s more, it carries up to 12 passengers with a radius of action of 120 NM, while burning 15% less fuel. With so many impressive features, the H160 is a huge step forward not just for its category, but for the environment, too.

Safety. We make it fl y.

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