Popular Aircraft to Serve Cypriot National Guard

The Government of Cyprus, the east Mediterranean island-nation, has signed an agreement with Airbus for the purchase of six H145M helicopters with an option for an additional six aircraft. The twin-engine helicopters will be operated by the Cypriot National Guard.

The H145M is a light, multi-role, utility, military helicopter derivative of the civilian H145. The aircraft’s latest iteration features a bearing-less, low-maintenance, five-bladed main-rotor system that increases vehicle payload by 150-kilograms.

Equipped with Airbus’s HForce weapons system, the H145M can be operated as a light attack helicopter. After the curious fashion of European tactical sensibilities, subject HForce system comprises guns—only guns. Rockets and missiles are, ostensibly, being integrated. Airbus incomprehensibly asserts: Combined with Manned-Unmanned Teaming capabilities and integration into networked combat, its bandwidth reportedly makes it the most performant helicopter in its class.

The day/night, VFR/IFR capable H145 is in use with military, police and rescue organizations throughout the world. The helicopter is powered by twin, FADEC, Safran Arriel 2E turbine engines. The aircraft also features a Helionix digital avionics suite paired with a 4-axis autopilot.

Andreas P. Louka, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Cyprus stated, “I thank Airbus Helicopters for their excellent cooperation and commitment to this project, and I am deeply satisfied because this contract marks the initiation of a long-term relationship with Airbus, a corporation with a reputation in safety, reliability and highest production standards.”

By way of reply, Olivier Michalon, Executive Vice President Global Business at Airbus Helicopters stated, "We would like to thank the Government of Cyprus for the trust they are placing in the H145M which is becoming the reference multi-role light attack helicopter on the market.” Michalon added, “We see a strong interest for the H145M across the world and we have several ongoing campaigns, which is very promising for this aircraft.”?

FMI: www.airbus.com/en/products-services/helicopters