Airbus Helicopters delivered four H135 aircraft simultaneously for the first time in Spain. The four helicopters were handed over in a single ceremony to the National Police, the Air Force, the Coast Guard, and the Navy of Spain.
These four aircraft are part of a contract for 36 units signed in 2021 to equip the Armed Forces and State Security Forces. With this delivery, Airbus Helicopters has now dispatched 17 H135s to date, of which 11 were delivered in 2023.
The Air Force received its first H135 in May of this year, and the Navy received its first in October. It is expected that the Navy’s first two H135s will enter service in mid-December, starting navalization tests in the first quarter of next year.
Meanwhile, the National Police and the Civil Guard have been operating the EC135 since 2003 and received the first H135 in 2022, accumulating a total of 21 and 18 aircraft in their fleets, respectively.
Fernando Lombo, CEO of Airbus Helicopters in Spain, stated: «Undoubtedly, 2023 has been the year of the H135 in Spain. We managed to deliver the first helicopter of the contract just 9 months after its signing, and as of today, we have already delivered 17 units.»
«The success in executing this contract is such that we are optimistic about finishing it earlier than initially planned. This achievement is undoubtedly the result of great collaboration with the General Directorate of Armament and Material (DGAM) and the four users, to whom we deeply appreciate their trust.»
The light twin-engine H135 helicopter incorporates the most advanced technologies available, including Airbus Helicopters’ Helionix avionics suite, which, in addition to the 4-axis autopilot, offers an innovative cockpit layout to enhance situational awareness.
Designed with three large electronic screens, the H135’s cockpit is compatible with night vision goggles and includes a first-limit indicator that highlights relevant engine instrument data for the pilot at a glance.
