Offshore wind operations receive delivery of their first five-bladed H145 helicopter from HTM company.
In a significant move for the offshore wind energy sector, Airbus Helicopters has delivered the first five-bladed H145 to HTM Helicopters. This new version of the light twin-engine helicopter was unveiled at Heli-Expo 2019 and is set to offer several advantages for offshore wind farm operations.
Bernd Brucherseifer, Pilot and Managing Director at HTM Helicopters, has expressed that the five-bladed version of the H145 will help enhance their mission capabilities, particularly in the offshore wind segment. The helicopter's enhanced stability, lift capacity, and operational efficiency make it ideal for the challenging conditions typical of offshore environments.
The five-bladed main rotor design improves stability, aiding precision during personnel transfer and cargo delivery to wind turbines. The H145 is known for its agility and advanced avionics, which facilitate safe navigation and accurate positioning in wind farm areas that often present complex flying conditions.
Compared to older models with fewer blades, the five-bladed rotor reduces noise and vibrations, enhancing comfort and safety for crew and passengers. It also contributes to lower maintenance requirements and increased rotor lifespan, which are important for cost-effective offshore operations. The helicopter’s advanced systems support reliable performance in fluctuating weather commonly encountered offshore.
HTM Helicopters, one of the largest helicopter companies in Germany, will operate the H145 from its bases at Norden-Norddeich, Emden, Borkum, and Helgoland. The company, fully owned by HERISTO Aktiengesellschaft since April 2020, features an EASA Part-145 and Part-21 G/J approved organization.
The H145 is equipped with a powerful hoist, floatation equipment, and a cargo hook for passenger transport and technician hoisting. It is also the quietest helicopter in its class due to its particularly low acoustic footprint. Powered by two Safran Arriel 2E engines, the H145 is equipped with full authority digital engine control (FADEC) and the Helionix digital avionics suite.
Axel Humpert, Head of the H145 Programme, expressed gratitude towards HTM Helicopters for their continued trust in Airbus Helicopters. The H145 can address more than 95% of the world's current and future offshore wind farms projects due to its outstanding performance for transport and hoisting of wind farm technicians. The simplicity of the new bearingless main rotor design will ease maintenance operations, further contributing to cost-effectiveness.
The European Union aims to increase offshore wind energy capacity to more than 60 Giga Watt by 2030 (from 12 GW in 2020). The H145, with its improved capabilities for offshore wind farm operations, is poised to play a significant role in this expansion of renewable energy.
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- The delivery of the five-bladed H145 to HTM Helicopters marks a significant advancement in the offshore wind energy sector, as this helicopter version offers improved capabilities for offshore wind farm operations, particularly in the challenging environmental conditions.
- The new five-bladed rotor design of the H145 reduces noise and vibrations, enhance comfort and safety for crew and passengers, and contributes to lower maintenance requirements and increased rotor lifespan, contributing to cost-effective offshore operations.
- HTM Helicopters, with its EASA Part-145 and Part-21 G/J approved organization, will operate the H145 from its bases, serving as a key player in the expansion of renewable energy through its contribution to offshore wind farm operations.
- The European Union aims to increase offshore wind energy capacity to more than 60 Giga Watt by 2030, and advancements in technology, such as the five-bladed H145, will likely play a significant role in the transition to renewable energy sources, specifically offshore wind farms.
