On Friday, September 27, 2024, the European company Airbus Helicopters announced on social media the test flight of the first of up to 82 light multi-role helicopters for the armed forces of the Federal Republic of Germany, which will be configured in a light attack helicopter role under the codename LKH (Leichter Kampfhubschrauber).
Photos: Airbus Helicopters
The helicopter was test-flown by a factory crew from the Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH production facility in Donauwörth, Bavaria. At the same time, the first pilots of the German Army (Heer) began training on this type.
It is worth recalling that on December 14, 2023, the Bundeswehr’s Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology, and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) announced that the previous day, the Budget Committee of the Bundestag had approved funding for the purchase of 62 helicopters as part of the basic order and 20 more as an option. This procurement serves as a bridging solution to replace 53 Eurocopter EC665 Tiger UHT (Unterstützungshubschrauber) attack helicopters. Deliveries are planned for the years 2024–2028.
The contract includes the supply of spare parts, eight training simulators, training for both flight and technical personnel, as well as a comprehensive service package for the operation of the helicopters during the first seven years.
The helicopters will be equipped with electronic self-protection systems, ballistic protection, and additional equipment for maritime operations, as well as reconnaissance equipment in the form of electro-optical sensors. These systems will enable crews to operate both during the day and at night.
The helicopters will be delivered to the International Helicopter Training Center in Bückeburg (Internationale Hubschrauberausbildungszentrum) as well as frontline units in Niederstetten, Fritzlar, Faßberg, and Laupheim.
The first proposals to replace the problematic Tiger helicopters with light H145Ms armed with anti-tank guided missiles (likely Spike LR2/ER2) and air-to-air missiles for self-defense (Stinger) appeared in the press on March 20, 2023, based on internal documents from the Federal Ministry of Defense. A strong supporter of the purchase was the Secretary of State for Armament at the Ministry of Defense, Benedikt Zimmer, who argued that this type was already in operational use.
Since 2015, the Bundeswehr has been operating 15 militarized H145M LUH SOF helicopters, serving as light support helicopters for the Kommando Spezialkräfte (KSK) special forces, thanks to the HForce weapon system. On December 13, 2018, an order was placed for seven helicopters in the H145 LUH SAR (Light Utility Helicopter Search and Rescue) variant for transport and search-and-rescue missions, with deliveries beginning almost exactly a year later.
Interestingly, before the decision to implement the LKH program, there was a plan to order 64 H145M helicopters. On February 26, 2020, it was reported that out of this total, 48 were intended for the Army, including 24 for training to replace 13 H135 P2+ helicopters, and another 24 for fire support within three aviation regiments as LUH Streitkräfte. These helicopters would be used for combat search and rescue missions, liaison operations, transport, or medical evacuation. The remaining 16 helicopters were to be shared between the Air Force and the Navy.
The H145M is a multi-role military helicopter capable of performing a wide range of missions. Worldwide, over 1,600 helicopters from the H145 family have been delivered, accumulating a total of 7.6 million flight hours. These helicopters are used by land forces, air forces, and law enforcement agencies around the world in the most demanding missions. Powered by two Safran Arriel 2E engines, the H145 is equipped with a digital engine control system (FADEC). It features Helionix digital avionics, which, combined with innovative flight data management solutions and an efficient four-axis autopilot, significantly reduce pilot workload during missions. Its exceptionally low acoustic footprint makes the H145 the quietest helicopter in its class.
In recent years, Luxembourg, Ecuador, Serbia, Thailand, Hungary, Brunei, and Belgium have opted to purchase the H145M. Airbus Helicopters is also among the companies participating in market consultations conducted by the Polish Armament Agency for a program aimed at acquiring an integrated training system for combat helicopter pilots, which includes 24 helicopters.
https://twitter.com/AirbusHeli/status/1839645075363508334