Will Be Used For Training, Recon, Special Forces, And Light Attack

Airbus Helicopters announced that it has delivered the first of up to 82 H145 helicopters to the German Bundeswehr (German Armed Forces), who have named them “Leichter Kampfhubschrauber (light combat helicopter) or LKH.

The Bundeswehr plan to use the aircraft for training, reconnaissance, special forces operations, and light attack. This first unit will be dedicated to training operations at the German Army’s Bückeburg base. The first delivery of a H145M configured for a light attack role is scheduled for delivery in 2025 as the contract specifies.

Stefan Thomé, Managing Director of Airbus Helicopters in Germany said, “We remain a reliable partner of the German Bundeswehr. Delivering the first H145M LKH in less than a year after the contract signature demonstrates our commitment. The H145M LKH will be a true multi-mission asset for the German Armed Forces, supporting their crucial missions.”

The Bundeswehr already operates 24 of the light twin-engine H145 helos for special forces operations and search and rescue missions. Other military operators of H145 family include Hungary, Serbia, Luxembourg, Thailand, Ecuador, and Honduras. Airbus also has recent orders from Cyprus, Belgium, and Brunei for a total of 29 aircraft.

The U.S. Army utilizes about 500 of the H145 helicopter family under the designation of UH-72 Lakota, which have accumulated more than 1.5 million flight hours. The helicopter is powered by two Turbomeca Arriel 2E engines equipped with FADEC, and also features the Helionix avionics suite, flight data management, and a 4-axis autopilot.

FMI:  www.airbus.com/