Western Australia Police Minister, The Hon. Paul Papalia CSC MLA, along with Police Commissioner, Col Blanch APM, welcomed the arrival of Australia’s first Airbus five-bladed H145 helicopter, to support police operations in the State. The aircraft is the first of two ordered by WA Police Force, which becomes the first law enforcement jurisdiction in the southern hemisphere to fly these state-of-the-art helicopters.
Speaking at the aircraft unveiling ceremony, Commissioner of WA Police Force, Col Blanch, commented: “The H145 provides a significant capability uplift that will enable our people to enforce the law, prevent crime, and manage and coordinate emergencies like never before. Seconds count when providing timely and quality responses to calls for help. The H145’s enhanced technology gives it better take-off performance and the aircraft’s ability to respond quickly and provide evidence quality, real-time tactical situational awareness to officers on the ground, will facilitate improved decision making and response.”
Stephen Forshaw, Airbus Chief Representative for Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific, stated: “Airbus’ five-bladed H145 has set new standards for mission performance globally, with an unrivalled power margin and ‘useful load’ ratio. Because these requirements are essential for police and first responders, our teams have worked closely with the WA Police Force to ensure this platform best meets their needs. We are extremely proud of the fact that the WA Police Force, which is responsible for the world’s largest single police jurisdiction, has selected the H145 and are excited to see the impact that Australia’s first five bladed H145 will have on the Force’s critical operations.”
The new H145 offers a range of capabilities for the WA Police Force, including single-pilot and instrument flight rules, along with night vision. The H145 is fitted with a fully integrated police mission system, as well as Airbus’ Helionix avionics suite and 4-axis autopilot system, significantly reducing crew workload and underpinning flight safety. These features, plus its multi-mission fit out, will provide exceptional law enforcement capability for the WA Police Force and enable the platform to service the entire State of Western Australia from its base in Perth.
The second H145 is due to arrive by the end of 2023. Combined, the two Airbus H145s will help provide platform commonality, and generate operational efficiencies for WA Police Force.
With over 200 H145 family helicopters deployed around the world in public service, law enforcement and emergency medical service missions, the light twin-engine is a benchmark for parapublic helicopters globally. With high availability rates, the H145 will positively impact aircraft readiness and cost. Its comparatively lower environmental footprint also sets the standard in carbon emissions and sound levels for its class.
In total, there are more than 1,600 H145 family helicopters in service, logging a total of more than seven million flight hours.
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