On Tuesday 20, the last 3 (out of a total of 6) Airbus H145 “Cobra” were received by the Ecuadorian Air Force (FAE for its initials in Spanish).
According to the Airbus Helicopters Twitter publication, the 12 pilots assigned to the aircraft have also received the necessary training.
The @FuerzaAereaEc has taken delivery of the 3 remaining #H145 of a total of 6 🚁, to be operated across the country in a wide range of missions.
— Airbus Helicopters (@AirbusHeli) April 20, 2021
12 pilots have been trained ahead of entry into service in the coming weeks. 🇪🇨 Hear Colonel's Cevallos first impressions video. pic.twitter.com/IrnueVYS9N
The first 2 helicopters made their presentation during the celebrations of the 100 years of history of the FAE, on October 27, 2020.
The 6 H145s, named “Cobra” by the FAE, are assigned to Combat Wing Nº. 22 in Guayaquil. The contract includes the training of 12 pilots and 15 technicians, as well as a part of operational training in the country.
The six H145 helicopters will be assigned to missions related to citizen support such as rescue in the high mountains (for which they are equipped with Safran oxygen systems), medical evacuation and for cases of natural disasters, either during the day or at night.
They will also carry out missions related to the security of the country such as border surveillance and the fight against drug trafficking.
All this, thanks to the wide variety of mission equipment included such as the load hook, the rescue crane, stretchers, searchlight and electro-optical camera for reconnaissance.
The H145 offers a range of 2 hours 39 minutes of flight at a cruising speed of 134 knots, equivalent to about 248 km / h, and is one of the most versatile helicopters on the market.
For three years, this equipment manufactured by Airbus Helicopters and developed in Germany has led the sales of light twin-engine utility vehicles.
As important milestones of the model, we can highlight its adoption by the US Army, Navy and National Guard, in the form of the UH-72A Lakota.
Also having already reached 1000 flight hours in Chile, with the Ecocopter company.
And finally, which without a doubt proves its aptitude for high mountains, having reached the top of Aconcagua (the highest summit in America) in September 2019.
