Airbus H145 helicopters to be acquired by HTM for offshore wind power operations, according to the order issued.
In a significant development for the renewable energy sector, Airbus' H145 helicopter is set to play a pivotal role in offshore wind operations, transporting technicians and materials to wind farm turbines off the coasts of Germany and France.
According to Axel Humpert, Senior Vice President and Head of the H145 Programme at Airbus, the H145 is ideally suited for offshore wind operations due to its significant capacity for transporting passengers and cargo, and outstanding hover performance for hoisting operations.
The key features and benefits of the Airbus H145 in offshore wind operations include its versatility and multi-mission capability. As a smooth, silent, and reliable multi-mission helicopter, it delivers efficiency and adaptability across various tasks, which is crucial in offshore wind operations that require flexible transport and support roles.
The latest H145 models feature a five-bladed rotor system that increases payload capacity by about 150 kilograms and enhances ride comfort. This allows the helicopter to carry more personnel and equipment safely to offshore wind platforms.
Helicopters like the H145 offer unmatched efficiency over traditional crew transfer vessels (CTVs) by cutting travel times to offshore wind farms. This translates into operational cost savings and quicker access to offshore installations.
Built for critical missions such as air ambulance and search and rescue, the H145 incorporates modern advances that heighten safety and reliability, crucial for operating in often challenging offshore wind environments.
The H145 is powered by two Safran Arriel 2E engines and equipped with a full authority digital engine control (FADEC) and the Helionix digital avionics suite. It also includes a high-performance 4-axis autopilot, increasing safety and reducing pilot workload.
In addition, the H145 is the quietest helicopter in its class, with a particularly low acoustic footprint. It offers excellent OEI performance, the ability to quickly perform role changes, reliability, ease of maintenance, and is a perfect tool for the operation and maintenance phase in offshore wind operations.
HTM Helicopters, a leading operator in the offshore wind sector, has ordered one Airbus H145 helicopter, with options for two more. Bernd Brucherseifer, Managing Director for HTM Helicopters, stated that the addition of H145s to their fleet is due to projects moving further out from the coast and requiring additional payload.
HTM Helicopters was the first operator to take delivery of a five-bladed H145 for offshore wind operations in 2021. With the delivery of the newly ordered helicopter, HTM's total H145 fleet will grow to eight helicopters (10 including options). Five of those H145's will be used to support offshore missions.
In a world-premiere trial led by Airbus in late 2023, an aircraft from HTM was used to hoist crew members into the nacelles of floating wind turbines in Hywind Tampen. The H145's CO2 emissions are the lowest among its competitors, further cementing its position as a preferred choice for environmentally-conscious offshore wind operators.
With more than 1,675 H145 family helicopters in service worldwide, and a total of more than 7.6 million flight hours, the H145 has proven its reliability and effectiveness in various missions. Airbus expressed pleasure that HTM has seen the value that the H145 provides and continued to place their trust in Airbus helicopters as they expand their fleet.
The renewable energy industry is expected to benefit significantly from the use of the Airbus H145 helicopter, as it delivers efficiency and adaptability in offshore wind operations, reducing travel times and operational costs compared to traditional crew transfer vessels. In alignment with this, HTM Helicopters, a leading operator in the offshore wind sector, has chosen to invest in the Airbus H145, with its latest order aiming to further expand their fleet and assist in offshore missions.
