Airbus confirms bid for Special Forces helicopter needs
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Airbus Australia Pacific Managing Director Andrew Mathewson today confirmed that Airbus had recently responded to a Commonwealth of Australia request for information for a four-tonne-class, rapidly deployable, multi-role helicopter for Australian Special Forces.
FILE PHOTO: H145M helicopter with ‘plug-and-play’ weapon systems attached. Airbus Helicopters photo by Anthony Pecchi.
“The Airbus H145M helicopter is the military version of the H145 – the most advanced member of Airbus’ multi-purpose twin-engine category,” Mr Mathewson said.
“It is based on a commercial off-the-shelf platform with military-specific modifications and is an operationally proven, affordable and low-risk option for Australia
“The H145M program and systems are based close to five million hours of flying experience with the H145 family of aircraft which has over 1300 units in service today.
“Airbus Australia Pacific’s response includes selected industry partners and the provision of training, maintenance, logistics and engineering activities.
“A comprehensive transfer of technology and skills will make Airbus Australia Pacific a regional centre able to proactively support Australian operational needs, and export this knowledge back into the wider H145M community.”
Mr Mathewson said that other strengths of the Airbus H145M included:
- Excellent access and cabin space
- Compact footprint for maximum agility
- Excellent hot and high flight performance
- Airbus Helionix cockpit which reduces pilot workload and allows greater situational awareness
- Full multi-role capability allowing support to missions including aerial assault, aerial fire support, attack, ISTAR, CASEVAC and general utility tasks
- High availability; reliable and robust systems; a small logistic footprint; proven by operations in similar configuration, roles and environment, and
- High rotor clearance and shrouded Fenestron for operations close to obstacles
“Airbus stands ready to respond to the next stage in the tender process,” Mr Mathewson added.
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Me thinks the obsession with ‘Special Forces’ centric Armies will bite us in the backside at some point in the future……..Grunts Armour and Artillery hold ground long term, small teams of super grunts cause trouble but in the end they need the backup only a large conventional force can give.