After more than a decade, Bavaria’s police force will be equipped with a new fleet of helicopters. Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann (CSU) took delivery of the first two H145 machines at the Airbus helicopter factory in Donauwörth, Swabia, on Thursday. The Free State is investing a total of 145 million euros in eight helicopters. The new helicopters are intended to replace the corresponding number of EC135 models. Both Airbus helicopter types are also widely used as rescue aircraft, for example.
The previous machines were working at the performance limit after more than twelve years of use, the ministry reported. “In addition to a larger cabin, the possible payload of the new police helicopters is doubled and the range increased. In addition, twice as many officers can be transported.” The Bavarian company was awarded the contract by the Free State after a Europe-wide tender for the large order.
The advantage of the new machines is, for example, that special units can get to their place of action better and faster thanks to the larger helicopters. In view of climate change, it is important that the helicopters can transport more water to extinguish forest fires. The Bavarian Police Helicopter Squadron is stationed at Munich Airport and in a branch office in Roth near Nuremberg.