Airbus Helicopters Proposes H145M to Replace Aging Bell UH-1H in Argentine Army's Fleet.

Airbus Helicopters has recently reaffirmed its interest in addressing the modernization needs of the Argentine Army by proposing the H145M as a replacement for the aging Bell UH-1H fleet, in an interview with Zona Militar, Pierre-Marie Gout, Managing Director of Airbus Helicopters Cono Sur, provided details on the European company's initiatives to support armed forces and security forces in Latin America, with a particular focus on Argentina.
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Powered by two Safran Arriel 2E turboshaft engines, the H145M features advanced technologies such as the Helionix avionics suite, a 4-axis autopilot, and the HForce weapons system, offering modular and cost-effective firepower solutions (Picture source: Airbus Helicopters)

The Argentine Army is currently undergoing a process of modernizing its fleet, seeking a replacement for its Bell UH-1H helicopters, which have been in use for decades. Airbus presents the H145, a versatile helicopter, as a natural successor to these iconic aircraft. Gout highlighted the long history of collaboration between the company and the Argentine armed forces, with models such as the Lama, Fennec, and Super Puma still in service in the country.

The H145M, a modern and versatile battlefield support helicopter developed by Airbus, is designed for a wide range of tactical military missions, including light attack, troop transport, utility, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR). Powered by two Safran Arriel 2E turboshaft engines, the H145M features advanced technologies such as the Helionix avionics suite, a 4-axis autopilot, and the HForce weapons system, offering modular and cost-effective firepower solutions. Its compact frame, high performance, and adaptability make it suitable for operations in demanding conditions, including high altitudes and hot environments.

The H145M was introduced into service in the mid-2010s, with its military variant deployed by several armed forces, including the U.S. Army with the UH-72A/B Lakota variants. The H145M has proven its effectiveness in various roles and continues to be a reliable asset with a high mission readiness rate, enhanced by features such as crashworthiness, infrared suppressors, and electronic warfare systems. The exact number of H145M helicopters in service varies by country and mission, but it remains a key platform for military operations worldwide.

The Bell UH-1 Iroquois, commonly known as the "Huey," is a military helicopter developed by Bell Helicopter in the 1950s to meet the U.S. Army's needs for medical evacuation and a versatile utility aircraft. Argentina acquired the UH-1 Iroquois in the 1960s, and it has been in service with the Argentine military ever since. The exact number of UH-1s currently in service in Argentina varies, but this helicopter has remained an essential asset for the country's armed forces for several decades.

Powered by a single Lycoming T53 turboshaft engine, producing 1,100 shp (820 kW), the UH-1 features a two-bladed main rotor and tail rotor. Known for its reliability and versatility, the UH-1 has been used by Argentina in various roles, including troop transport, medical evacuation, and utility missions. The robust design and adaptability of the aircraft have made it a crucial element of Argentina's military aviation capabilities.

. Argentina acquired the UH-1 Iroquois in the 1960s, and it has been in service with the Argentine military ever since (Picture source: Argentine Army)

The H145, known as the Lakota in the U.S. Army, is being proposed as an ideal solution to replace the Argentine Army's medium-sized helicopter fleet, particularly the UH-1H. Gout noted that the H145 has already demonstrated its capabilities in various missions in Argentina, including offshore operations and with local security forces such as the Federal Police. The H145's performance in challenging environments, particularly at high altitudes, was highlighted, with a special mention of its landing on Aconcagua in 2019.

Although lighter in category, the H145 offers a competitive payload capacity, rivaling 6-ton helicopters, making it attractive for defense missions. This versatility, combined with controlled operational costs and high reliability, makes it a serious candidate to replace the UH-1H helicopters in Argentina. The H145M and the Bell UH-1 are both versatile military helicopters, but they differ in technical capabilities and technology. The H145M, developed by Airbus, is a modern helicopter equipped with two Safran Arriel 2E turbine engines, offering increased power, better performance at altitude, and high adaptability to missions. It incorporates advanced technologies such as the Helionix avionics system, a 4-axis autopilot, and the modular HForce weapon system, making it particularly suitable for operating in extreme conditions and performing complex missions, such as light attack and ISR reconnaissance. I

In contrast, the Bell UH-1, known as the "Huey," is an older, but robust helicopter, powered by a single Lycoming T53 engine. It is known for its reliability and simplicity, having been widely used for troop transport, medical evacuation, and utility support missions since the 1960s. However, compared to the H145M, the UH-1 is less advanced in terms of technology, with more basic control systems and armament capabilities, but it remains a proven and iconic aircraft for more general and less technologically demanding operations.

The Argentine Army had signed a letter of intent to acquire 12 H215M helicopters, an initiative confirmed at the Paris Air Show 2023 (Picture source: Airbus Helicopters)

Airbus Helicopters has also explored various options to facilitate a potential acquisition by Argentina, including the use of the U.S. Foreign Military Sales (FMS) channel, which has already enabled the sale of more than 500 H145/Lakota units to the U.S. government. Gout emphasized the importance of strong bilateral relations between Argentina, the United States, and Europe, which could favor the acquisition of the helicopters through different procurement channels.

Meanwhile, the Argentine Army had signed a letter of intent to acquire 12 H215M helicopters, an initiative confirmed at the Paris Air Show 2023. However, Gout indicated that the current priority seems to be shifting towards lighter helicopters like the H145, although the offer for the H215M remains on the table. This replacement project aims to modernize the Army's aviation capabilities by replacing the aging SA-330 Puma and SA-332 Super Puma, whose availability is now limited.

Thus, the H145 appears to be a suitable solution for the current needs of the Argentine Army, which is seeking to modernize its fleet in a context of restructuring and technological upgrades. Airbus Helicopters positions itself as a strategic partner in this transition, highlighting the proven experience of the H145 in various operational scenarios in Argentina and abroad.