Offshore wind operations receive delivery of inaugural five-bladed H145 helicopter from HTM
The Airbus H145 five-bladed helicopter is making waves in the offshore wind energy sector, offering a host of advantages that are crucial for reliable and efficient access to offshore wind turbines.
The H145's five-bladed rotor system is a game-changer, reducing vibration levels and enhancing flight stability. This is particularly important in challenging weather conditions encountered offshore. The improved safety and stability are key to ensuring crews can perform their duties effectively and safely.
Airbus has equipped the H145 with cutting-edge avionics and the ability to integrate sensors and uncrewed system technologies. This advancement enables crews to carry out missions more efficiently and safely, contributing to operational efficiency.
The H145 is renowned for its versatility, making it ideal for specialized missions such as crew transfer, equipment delivery, and inspections. This versatility is essential for the maintenance of offshore wind farms.
Moreover, the H145 features design improvements that reduce noise emissions, making it environmentally friendly. Compliance with environmental regulations and minimizing disturbance in marine and coastal areas are paramount.
As of 2020, the offshore wind energy capacity stood at 12 GW. The latest upgrade to the H145 includes a new, innovative five-bladed rotor, which will undoubtedly contribute to the expansion of renewable energy.
HTM Helicopters, one of the largest helicopter companies in Germany, has recently become fully owned by HERISTO Aktiengesellschaft. HTM Group, with its EASA Part-145 and Part-21 G/J approved organization, has received the first five-bladed H145 from Airbus Helicopters for use in the offshore wind segment.
Airbus Helicopters' Head of the H145 Programme, Axel Humpert, expressed gratitude towards HTM Helicopters for their continued trust in Airbus Helicopters and the H145. The aircraft will be operated from HTM's bases at Norden-Norddeich, Emden, Borkum, and Helgoland.
Bernd Brucherseifer, Pilot and Managing Director at HTM Helicopters, stated that the five-bladed version of the H145 will help enhance their mission capabilities. The simplicity of the new bearingless main rotor design eases maintenance operations, further boosting operational efficiency.
The European Union aims to increase the offshore wind energy capacity to more than 60 Giga Watt by 2030. The H145, powered by two Safran Arriel 2E engines, has logged over six million flight hours as of 2020. Its particularly low acoustic footprint makes the H145 the quietest helicopter in its class.
Equipped with a powerful hoist, floatation equipment, and a cargo hook, the H145 is ready for passenger transport and hoisting technicians. The new rotor design increases the useful load of the H145 by 150 kg. The aircraft is also equipped with full authority digital engine control (FADEC) and the Helionix digital avionics suite.
The core business of the HTM Group includes the provisioning of helicopters for civil and military customers, offshore operations, ambulance & passenger flights, flight training, and work flights in the mountains. The new version of the Airbus H145 light twin-engine helicopter was unveiled at Heli-Expo 2019 in Atlanta in March. The H145 is used to maintain offshore wind parks, contributing to the expansion of renewable energy.
- The offshore wind energy sector is benefiting from the H145's innovative five-bladed rotor system, as it enhances flight stability and reduces vibration levels, making it crucial in challenging weather conditions.
- The European Union is aiming to increase the offshore wind energy capacity to more than 60 Giga Watt by 2030, and the versatile H145, with its energy-efficient design and low acoustic footprint, is well-positioned to contribute to this expansion.
- In the environmental-science realm, the H145's design improvements that reduce noise emissions are helpful in maintaining compliance with environmental regulations and minimizing disturbance in marine and coastal areas.
- The Financial and technology industries are also involved, as the H145's advanced avionics, ability to integrate sensors, and uncrewed system technologies increase efficiency and safety, leading to cost savings and technological advancements in the offshore renewable-energy sector.
