The Spanish Ministry of Defense, through the Directorate General of Equipment and Materials (Digam),Light utility helicopter (Helipo)Towards the implementation of the plan,1.975 billion eurosWith Airbus Helicopters España in scaleapprove contractdid.
This agreement includes:50 H145M helicoptersIn addition to acquiring theLogistics supportis included.
This decisioncasual contractIt was done by method. The Ministry of Defense isAirbus Helicopters SpainThe reason for this is that it is the only company technically capable of carrying out this project. It said additional improvements of strategic importance to public administration were also negotiated.
The budget is10 yearswill be implemented over the next fiscal year, starting from the next fiscal year,2035is scheduled to be completed. The financial schedule includes: procurement, integration, and logistics support;60 million euros to 300 million eurosFunds will be allocated annually within the range.
Structural transformation of Army air power
The Helipo plan isArmy Air Mobility Force (Famet)i.e.spanish armyIt is positioned as one of the major efforts to modernize the country’s air force. This plan is not just about updating the aircraft, but also about adopting a single, modern, and highly interoperable platform.Structural transformation of aircraft configurationWe are aiming for
The H145M is a light helicopter that has been in service since 2005 and is nearing the end of its service life.EC-135and attack helicopters.Tigreand medium transport helicopterNH90exist betweenoperational voidThe role is to fill in the gaps.
Reason why H145M was selected
According to the assessment of the Spanish Army, the war in Ukraine was a conventional war.large amount of forceshowed that it is necessary. It has been recognized that high performance, high operating costs, and a limited number of platforms are difficult to maintain.
Against this background, H145Mhigh flexibility、low operating costs、High availabilityThe company was praised for its features. This allows it to perform missions that are not suitable for the heavy-duty Tiger or the larger, more expensive NH90.
Three specifications for each mission
The 50 planned H145Ms are3 main specificationsis obtained in
- emergency responseType (for military emergency response force UME)
- Education and trainingmold
- Versatile light attackType (HForceEquipped with armament system)
The final version will be configured to handle a wide range of missions, including fire support, armed reconnaissance, and security and security operations.
HForce system and production in Albacete
HForceis a modular armament system developed by Airbus that enables the integration of rockets, laser-guided missiles, cannons and machine guns, transforming the helicopter into a light attack platform. Some of the key parts of this system arealbaceteto strengthen the involvement of the Spanish defense industry in the program.
The system includesVersatile mission computerIt includes a Helmet-Mounted Sighting Device (HMSD), an electro-optical sensor for target acquisition, and a variety of weapons interfaces, allowing it to engage armored vehicles, aircraft, drones, and light maritime targets.
Technical characteristics of H145M
H145M isTurbomeca Arriel 2EEquipped with two engines,FADECIncludes digital engine control and 4-axis autopilotHelionixEquipped with avionics suite. This greatly reduces the workload on the crew. Manufacturers are also required to meet the lowest standards in their class.low noise characteristicsis emphasized.
international operating countries
In addition to Spain,Germany、Hungary、Serbia、Thailand、Luxembourg、cyprushas deployed the H145M and uses it in a variety of operational configurations for military and security missions.
Source/Image: X @AirbusHeli | @AirbusHeli | @Defensagob | @EjercitoTierra | @Armada_esp | @EjercitoAire. This content is created with the help of AI and reviewed by our editorial team.
