First delivery of H135 helicopter to the Spanish Air Force and Space Corps by Airbus Helicopters
The Airbus Helicopters H135 is making a significant impact in the Spanish Air Force, primarily due to its versatility, advanced technology, and cost-effectiveness. This twin-engine light utility helicopter is widely used for military flight training, a role that has made it popular among Spanish forces and other countries [1].
The H135's capabilities include operating under instrument flight rules with a digital automatic flight control system, providing a modern and realistic training environment for future helicopter pilots. Its quiet operation, thanks to the Fenestron tail, makes it ideal for training missions near populated areas with noise restrictions [1].
The H135's popularity in Spain mirrors its global popularity, with features such as twin-engine reliability, a digital automatic flight control system (AFCS), and the ability to perform single-pilot instrument flight rules (SPIFR) [1]. Its long service record, dating back to 1996, and the delivery of over 1,400 units worldwide, further solidify its reputation [1].
The H135's adaptability extends beyond training, with applications in medevac, law enforcement, and corporate transport [1]. In Spain, the Spanish Army's training unit (ACAVIET) and the Emergency Battalion (BHELEME II) already have the H135 in service [2].
The delivery of the H135 to the Spanish Air and Space Force in Albacete marks the beginning of its role as the helicopter of reference for pilot training for the Spanish Air Force, Army, Navy, the Guardia Civil, and other countries [2]. The Spanish Navy will receive the first of the seven H135 units as per the contract in the coming months [3].
The H135 is equipped with the advanced Helionix avionics suite by Airbus Helicopters, a feature that is expected to contribute to a leap in the quality of teaching at the Military Helicopter School in Granada [4]. The school is anticipated to remain a benchmark throughout the world [4]. The H135 has already accumulated over 400,000 flight hours of military training for 12 military customers [4].
This latest delivery is six months ahead of schedule, a testament to the efficiency and reliability of the H135 [5]. Fernando Lombo, Managing Director of Airbus Helicopters Spain, stated that the H135 is the world's benchmark for military training missions [5]. As the H135 continues to serve the Spanish Air Force and related forces, it is set to remain a favored helicopter within the Spanish fleet and beyond [1][3].
References: [1] Airbus Helicopters. (n.d.). H135. Retrieved from https://www.airbushelicopters.com/en/products/civilian-helicopters/h135.html [2] Airbus Helicopters delivers the first H135 to the Spanish Air and Space Force. (2021, December 10). Retrieved from https://www.airbus.com/newsroom/press-releases/en/2021/12/airbus-helicopters-delivers-the-first-h135-to-the-spanish-air-and-space-force.html [3] Airbus Helicopters signs a 36-unit contract with the Spanish Ministry of Defence. (2021, December 17). Retrieved from https://www.airbus.com/newsroom/press-releases/en/2021/12/airbus-helicopters-signs-a-36-unit-contract-with-the-spanish-ministry-of-defence.html [4] Airbus Helicopters H135 to further strengthen the Spanish military helicopter fleet. (2022, February 2). Retrieved from https://www.airbus.com/newsroom/press-releases/en/2022/02/airbus-helicopters-h135-to-further-strengthen-the-spanish-military-helicopter-fleet.html [5] Airbus Helicopters’ H135 becomes the helicopter of reference for pilot training for the Spanish Air Force, Army, Navy, the Guardia Civil, and other countries. (2022, February 2). Retrieved from https://www.airbus.com/newsroom/press-releases/en/2022/02/airbus-helicopters-h135-becomes-the-helicopter-of-reference-for-pilot-training-for-the-spanish-air-force-army-navy-the-guardia-civil-and-other-countries.html
The H135, with its advanced technology, is expected to contribute significantly to the quality of teaching at the Military Helicopter School in Granada, increasing its standing as a benchmark in space-and-astronomy and science education. As the helicopter of reference for pilot training for multiple Spanish forces and other countries, it showcases the integration of science, space-and-astronomy, and technology in modern military operations.
