Airbus Helicopters has signed a contract with His Excellency Sheikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Bahrain’s Minister of Interior, for the acquisition of nine H145 helicopters. These state-of-the-art aircraft will be utilised by the Police Aviation Command for law enforcement operations and emergency medical services (EMS), enhancing public safety and response capabilities across the kingdom.
Olivier Michalon, Executive Vice President for Global Business at Airbus Helicopters, commented: “We are sure that the H145 will quickly become a valuable new asset for the Bahraini police. As a truly multi-role helicopter, the H145’s versatility makes it a key asset for public safety missions around the world and in the region.” Highlighting its strong presence in the Middle East, Michalon added that more than 60 H145s are currently operational in the region, supporting a variety of missions, including emergency medical services, energy sector operations, and utility roles.
The H145, a light twin-engine helicopter, is renowned for its innovative design and advanced features. The latest version includes a five-bladed rotor, increasing its payload capacity by 150kg while simplifying maintenance through its bearing less rotor design. These advancements enhance serviceability and reliability while improving comfort for passengers and crew.
Powered by two Safran Arriel 2E engines, the H145 is equipped with full-authority digital engine control (FADEC) and Airbus’ Helionix digital avionics suite. It features a high-performance four-axis autopilot that boosts safety and reduces pilot workload. The H145 is also the quietest helicopter in its class, with the lowest CO2 emissions among competitors.
Globally, the H145 family has proven its reliability, with over 1,700 helicopters in service and a collective total of eight million flight hours. Its reputation as a versatile, efficient, and environmentally conscious helicopter now positions it as a valuable asset for Bahrain’s public safety and emergency operations.
