Airbus H225 wins record order from the German Federal Police

The German Ministry of the Interior ordered up to 44 Airbus H225 helicopters for its Federal Police (Bundespolizei). This record H225 order includes 38 firm orders with options for a further six helicopters. Its payload, range and advanced systems make it a versatile helicopter capable of performing a wide range of police and homeland security missions, from special forces transport to firefighting and disaster relief. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2029.

Key points:

• The H225 will replace the H155 and AS332 helicopters that have been in service for more than 20 years.
• The H225 features a new mission and communication system, an upgraded main transmission and an expanded health and usage monitoring system.
• The German Federal Police operates 94 Airbus helicopters, from the H120 to the Super Puma family.

“I would like to thank Germany for its continued and renewed confidence in our helicopters and, in particular, in our H225 family. We are proud that our H225 will contribute to Germany’s security and help its citizens in need,” said Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters. “The Bundespolizei can count on 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 available on the market for decades to come.”

The H225 will replace the H155 and AS332 helicopters that have been in service with the German Federal Police for more than 20 years. The H225 order will ensure a smooth transition for pilots and maintenance personnel. The contract also includes training facilities and spare parts packages.

The H225 helicopters will feature a powerful new mission and communication system that will ensure improved situational awareness and seamless data transmission between police forces. It also features an improved main transmission and an expanded health and usage monitoring system, which increases safety and helps save costs.

With a maximum take-off weight of 11,160 kg, the H225 offers a long range of more than 832 km (1,107 km with external fuel tanks) and an unmatched external payload of 4,750 kg, essential for missions such as disaster relief and firefighting. Airbus Helicopters’ ambition is for the helicopter to be able to fly on 100% sustainable aviation fuel by 2030, which was already demonstrated at ILA Berlin 2022.

The German Bundespolizei operates 94 Airbus helicopters, from the single-engine H120 used for pilot training, to more than 40 twin-engine helicopters of the H135 family for various missions, including emergency medical services on behalf of the Federal Office for Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance (Bundesamt für Bevölkerungsschutz und Katastrophenhilfe), and the Super Puma family, of which the H225 is the latest variant.

According to Airbus Helicopters, the H225, which offers the industry’s best range, speed, payload and reliability in the 11-ton twin-engine category, is the latest member of the Super Puma family, which has accumulated more than 6 million flight hours in all weather conditions worldwide. Equipped with state-of-the-art electronics and renowned autopilot precision, the H225 offers exceptional endurance and fast cruise speed, and can be fitted with a variety of equipment to suit a wide range of roles.