HTM Helicopters placed a firm order for an Airbus Helicopters H145 and two options. The new helicopter will perform offshore wind missions, transporting technicians and materials to turbines in wind farms off the coasts of Germany and France.
HTM was the first operator to receive a five-bladed H145 for offshore wind operations in 2021. At the end of 2023, HTM’s helicopter was used in a world-first trial led by Airbus to lift two crew members to the nacelles of floating wind turbines at Hywind Tampen.
Bernd Brucherseifer, Managing Director of HTM Helicopters, stated, “Over the last 15 years in the offshore wind energy business, we have seen projects move further offshore and require additional payload, which has led us to add more H145s to our fleet.”
“In addition to excellent OEI performance, the helicopter offers the ability to quickly change roles for various client missions and is very reliable and easy to maintain. The H145 is the perfect tool for the operation and maintenance phase of offshore wind operations, and we anticipate much more demand for it in this market in the near future,” he added.
This order will expand HTM’s current fleet, which includes 18 Airbus helicopters, comprising the H125, H135, and H145. With the new helicopter, HTM’s total fleet of H145 will increase to eight. Five of these H145 will be used for offshore missions.
Axel Humpert, Senior Vice President and Head of the H145 Program at Airbus, noted, “The H145 is ideal for offshore wind operations due to its significant capacity for passenger and cargo transport, as well as its exceptional hover performance for hoisting operations.”
“As a long-standing partner, we are pleased that HTM has recognized the value the H145 brings and continues to trust our helicopters as they expand their fleet,” added Humpert.
The latest version of the H145 adds a five-blade rotor, increasing the helicopter’s payload by 150 kilograms. The simplicity of the new bearingless main rotor design simplifies maintenance operations and enhances serviceability.
