Germany’s Landespolizei Baden Württemberg has ordered six Eurocopter EC145 T2 helicopters, becoming the first law enforcement customer for this evolved version of the popular EC145 twin-engine rotorcraft.
When delivered in 2015-2016, these EC145 T2s will provide the southwestern German state’s police force with a highly capable multi-role fleet to replace a mixed fleet of two other helicopter types.
Eurocopter’s EC145 T2 is the latest member of its EC145 family, incorporating new Arriel 2E engines and the company’s Fenestron shrouded tail rotor, along with upgraded main and tail rotor gear boxes, as well as an innovative new digital avionics suite with 4-axis autopilot.
“The Landespolizei Baden Württemberg has been a Eurocopter customer for decades. From our point of view, its selection of the EC145 T2 as the police version’s launch customer confirms this long-lasting positive cooperation and the trust in our products,” explained Thomas Hein, Eurocopter’s vice president – sales and customer relations for Europe. “The EC145 T2’s advanced and expandable mission systems, and improved performance, will significantly enhance the police force’s capabilities.”
The aircraft will be equipped with a modern mission management system that facilitates the EC145 T2’s multi-role capabilities in law enforcement. Its primary role for observation and surveillance is supported by forward-looking infrared (FLIR) and daylight cameras, controlled by an operator who also handles communications and data exchange with ground-based police operations.
“With the procurement of six new police helicopters, we guarantee the highest standard for the police units,” said Reinhold Gall, Minister of the Interior of Baden Württemberg. “At the same time, the change to a fleet of only one helicopter type allows savings in maintenance and training.”
Europe’s law enforcement market segment is dominated by light twin-engine helicopters. Eurocopter’s EC135 and EC145 are the most successful helicopters in this segment, with a fleet share of approximately 44 percent.
The EC145 T2’s designed-in modularity and its large unobstructed cabin with flat floor contributes to the helicopter’s flexibility for applications ranging from such police tasks as patrol and surveillance, search and rescue and transport of special police forces.
By applying Fenestron technology to the EC145 T2, Eurocopter brings the tail rotor’s benefits in terms of improved flight and ground safety, enhanced anti-torque control efficiency, reduced power demand in forward flight, lower noise and vibration levels. For its use on the EC145 T2, the Fenestron has a new-design tail gearbox with lower maintenance costs, and incorporates a duplex tail rotor actuator and dual hydraulic circuits. This is installed in a new, damage-tolerant all-composite tail boom.
Eurocopter builds the EC145 T2 at the company’s production facility in Donauwörth, Germany. Certification of the helicopter in this latest version, and the start-up of deliveries are planned in 2014.
The Landespolizei Baden Württemberg currently operates Eurocopter-built EC155 helicopters and the MD902 Explorer, both types which are to be succeeded by the EC145 T2. Baden Württemberg is the third largest of Germany’s sixteen states, and includes Stuttgart – its capital, and one of the most important German cities.
