Ireland procures four Airbus H145M helicopters from manufacturer.
The Irish Defence Forces have taken a significant step towards modernisation with the acquisition of four H145M helicopters from Airbus Helicopters. This move is considered an important step in the transformation of the Defence Forces, as stated by the Irish Defence Forces' Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Seaán Clancy.
The H145M is the military version of the twin-engine H145 helicopter, which has recently reached the eight million flight hours mark globally. This new type of helicopter in Irish military service will serve as a critical enabler to the Army, Naval Service, and Special Operations Forces in Ireland.
The H145M helicopters will be used by the Irish Air Corps for a variety of defense and security tasks. They are equipped with the Helionix digital avionics suite and a high-performance 4-axis autopilot, reducing pilot workload. This makes the helicopter suitable for various defense and security tasks, including intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), and light combat operations.
The digital avionics suite enables advanced navigation, communication, and mission management. While the exact armaments used by the Irish Air Corps on the H145M are not detailed in the available sources, it is known that the helicopter can carry weapons including machine guns, rockets, and missiles. The H145M also features provision for weaponry to be fitted if required in the future.
The H145M is configured with a low acoustic footprint, making it suitable for ISR and light combat missions. It is equipped with HForce, a weapon management system developed by Airbus Helicopters. The current version of the H145M features a five-bladed bearingless main rotor, enhancing performance and contributing to its class-leading low acoustic footprint.
Lenny Brown, Managing Director of Airbus Helicopters in the UK, expressed his delight at being selected to play a key role in the modernisation of the Irish Air Corps fleet, stating, "It's an honor to be selected to play a key role in the modernization of the Irish Air Corps fleet."
The procurement of the H145M helicopters is expected to enhance the Irish Air Corps rotary capability, providing markedly higher performance and capability than the helicopters currently in service. The H145M helicopters will serve as a valuable asset in the Irish Defence Forces' journey of transformative change.
The H145M helicopter, a crucial part of the modernization process, has reached the eight million flight hours mark globally, showcasing its reliability and efficiency. Equipped with advanced technology such as the Helionix digital avionics suite and HForce, the H145M will serve as a critical tool for the Irish Defence Forces, aiding in defense, security tasks, and even light combat operations.
