ec145t2

Eurocopter has received a firm order for six law enforcement versions of the EC145 twin-engine rotorcraft, EC145 T2, from Germany’s Landespolizei Baden Württemberg.

With this development, Landespolizei Baden Württemberg has become the first customer to select the variant.

Scheduled for delivery in 2015-2016, the new helicopters will allow the German state’s police force to replace a mixed fleet of two other rotorcraft types, the EC155 helicopters and the MD902 Explorer.

Baden Württemberg interior minister Reinhold Gall said: "With the procurement of six new police helicopters, we guarantee the highest standard for the police units."

Eurocopter Europe sales and customer relations vice-president Thomas Hein said: "The EC145 T2s advanced and expandable mission systems, and improved performance, will significantly enhance the police force’s capabilities."

Being the latest member of EC145 line, the EC145 T2 incorporates new Arriel 2E engines and Fenestron shrouded tail rotor, upgraded main and tail rotor gear boxes, and a new digital avionics suite with 4-axis autopilot.

"With the procurement of six new police helicopters, we guarantee the highest standard for the police units."

With Fenestron technology, the tail rotor is claimed to offer improved flight and ground safety, anti-torque control efficiency, reduced power demand in forward flight, lower noise and vibration levels.

With a modern mission management system, the EC145 T2s features forward-looking infrared (FLIR) and daylight cameras to support its primary role for police tasks as patrol and surveillance.

The cameras will be controlled by an operator who also communicates and exchanges data with ground-based police operations.

The company builds the EC145 T2 at its production facility in Donauwörth, Germany.

Certification of the latest version helicopter and the start-up of deliveries are scheduled for 2014.

Image: The new EC145 T2 helicopters will allow the German state’s police force to replace a mixed fleet of two other rotorcraft types. Photo: courtesy of Eurocopter, Charles Abarr.

Defence Technology