Germany to Receive Up to 44 New H225 Helicopters from Airbus.

The German Ministry of the Interior has announced an order for up to 44 H225 helicopters for the Federal Police (Bundespolizei). This historic contract includes 38 firm orders with an option for six additional helicopters, marking a substantial investment in advanced aerial assets.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

The H225 will replace the aging H155 and AS332 helicopters that have been in service with the German Federal Police for over 20 years. (Picture source: Airbus)

The H225 helicopters, known for their payload capacity, range, and advanced systems, are set to improve the operational versatility of the Bundespolizei. These aircraft will be deployed for a wide range of missions, including special forces transport, firefighting, and disaster relief. The delivery of these helicopters is expected to begin in 2029.

Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters, expressed his gratitude for Germany's continued trust in Airbus products. "We are proud that our H225 contributes to the security of Germany and assists its citizens in times of need," he said. "The Bundespolizei will benefit from a modern helicopter, thanks to the continuous improvements we have made to our H225 in recent years. It will remain one of the most advanced helicopters on the market for decades to come."

The H225 will replace the aging H155 and AS332 helicopters that have been in service with the German Federal Police for over 20 years. This transition promises to be smooth for pilots and maintenance personnel, supported by comprehensive training and spare parts packages included in the contract.

Equipped with a new and powerful mission and communication system, the H225 ensures improved situational awareness and efficient data transmission between police units. Key improvements include an upgraded main gearbox and an extended health and usage monitoring system, enhancing safety and reducing operational costs. With a maximum takeoff weight of 11,160 kg, the H225 offers a range of over 832 kilometers (extendable to 1,107 km with external fuel tanks) and an impressive external payload capacity of 4,750 kg, crucial for disaster relief and firefighting missions. Airbus Helicopters aims for the H225 to fly with 100 percent sustainable aviation fuel by 2030, a goal demonstrated at ILA Berlin 2022.

Currently, the Bundespolizei operates 94 Airbus helicopters, ranging from the single-engine H120 used for pilot training to over 40 twin-engine H135 family helicopters for various missions, including emergency medical services. The fleet also includes the Super Puma family, of which the H225 is the latest variant. This partnership dates back to 1962 when the Bundespolizei, then known as the Bundesgrenzschutz, began operating the Alouette II, manufactured by Airbus predecessor Aérospatiale.

The H225, part of Airbus Helicopters' Super Puma family, has accumulated over 6 million flight hours in varied weather conditions worldwide. Known for its range, speed, payload capacity, and reliability in the 11-ton twin-engine category, the H225 is equipped with state-of-the-art electronic instruments and a renowned autopilot system, offering exceptional endurance and fast cruising speed. It can be outfitted with various equipment to fulfill a multitude of roles, making it a versatile and invaluable asset for the German Federal Police.