The Spanish Ministry of Defense through the Directorate General of Arms and Materiel (Digam) Light helicopter multipurpose (Helipo) For the implementation of the program 1.975 billion euros For Airbus Helicopters España at scale Contract approvaldecided.
In this contract 50 H145M helicoptersWith the introduction of , it is essential for the initial operation of the aircraft. logistics supportThis is included.
This decision direct contract It was done in a way Airbus Helicopters SpainThe basis was presented as the only company with the technical capabilities to carry out the project. According to the Ministry of Defense, additional improvements deemed strategically important to public administration were also included in the negotiations.
The budget is 10 years Executed starting from the next fiscal year 2035 Completion is scheduled. The financial schedule is a structure that allocates funds annually. 60 million to 300 million euros Expenditures are executed according to each stage of the program, including procurement, integration, and logistics support.
Structural changes in Army aviation power
The Helipo program Army Aircraft Task Force (Famet)in other words spanish armyIt is evaluated as one of the key projects to modernize aviation power. This plan goes beyond simply replacing aircraft, by introducing a single, modern, interoperable platform. Transformation of the entire power structureaims to.
The H145M is a light helicopter that has been in operation since 2005 and is nearing the end of its lifespan. EC-135will be gradually replaced by attack helicopters. Tigreand medium-sized transport helicopter NH90 between operational gapwill be filled.
Why H145M was chosen
According to the Spanish Army’s assessment, the war in Ukraine has changed from a conventional conflict to large power reservesshowed that is required. This means that it is difficult to maintain only an advanced platform with high operating costs and limited quantity.
In this context, the H145M high flexibility, low operating costs, high availabilityIt was chosen because it can perform missions that are not suitable for Tigre, which is specialized for heavy combat, or NH90, which is large and expensive.
Three versions for each mission
Out of 50 units, H145M is Three main configurationsis introduced as
- Disaster and Emergency ResponseDeployment of military emergency response units (UME)
- education and trainingdragon
- Multi-purpose light attackbrother, HForce Equipped with armed system
The final configuration can be configured to suit a variety of missions, including fire support, armed reconnaissance, and public safety and security operations.
HForce system and Albacete production
HForceis a modular weapons system developed by Airbus that allows the integration of rockets, laser-guided missiles, cannons and machine guns, turning the helicopter into a light attack platform. Some of the key components of this system are AlbaceteProduced in , it strengthens the participation of the Spanish defense industry in the program.
In that system multipurpose mission computera helmet-mounted targeting device (HMSD), electro-optical sensors for target acquisition, and interfaces for various weapons are included, enabling engagement against armored vehicles, aircraft, drones, and light maritime targets.
Technical features of H145M
H145M Turbomeca Arriel 2E Equipped with two engines, FADEC Including digital engine control system and 4-axis autopilot Helionix Equipped with avionics equipment package. This significantly reduces the crew’s workload. The manufacturer also claims that it is rated as the lowest in its class. low noise characteristicsis emphasizing.
international operations bureau
Besides Spain germany, Hungary, Serbia, thailand, Luxembourg, Cyprushas introduced the H145M and is using it in a variety of operational profiles for military and security missions.
Source and image: X @AirbusHeli | @AirbusHeli | @Defensagob | @EjercitoTierra | @Armada_esp | @EjercitoAire. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
