Spanish Air and Space Force receives initial delivery of H135 helicopter from Airbus Helicopters
Airbus H135 Delivered to Spanish Air and Space Force
The Spanish Air and Space Force has received the latest addition to its fleet, the Airbus H135 helicopter. This delivery, which took place six months ahead of schedule, marks a significant milestone in the country's military aviation sector.
The H135, renowned for its versatility, reliability, and efficiency, will be used for advanced training tasks for military pilots at the Military School of Helicopters in Armilla, Granada. This helicopter has already accumulated over 6.5 million flight hours and has more than 400,000 flight hours of military training for 12 military customers.
The H135 is equipped with Airbus Helicopters' Helionix avionics suite, featuring the most advanced technologies available. This state-of-the-art equipment will provide enhanced pilot visibility through Vertical Reference Windows installed on the left or right cockpit sides. This feature, designed to improve situational awareness without impacting the helicopter’s airspeed or requiring door/window removal, is particularly beneficial in search and rescue operations.
The delivery of the H135 to the Spanish Air and Space Force is part of a 36-unit contract. The eighth helicopter delivered under this contract is destined for the Spanish Armed Forces and State Security Forces. Once the planned fleet of 11 helicopters are delivered, the H135 will become the helicopter of reference for pilot training for the Spanish Air Force, Army, Navy, the Guardia Civil, and other countries.
The Spanish Army's training unit (ACAVIET) and the Emergency Battalion (BHELEME II) already have the H135 in service. Fernando Lombo, Managing Director of Airbus Helicopters Spain, stated that all young pilots from the Ministry of Defence corps will now be trained on the H135.
The addition of the H135 is expected to reinforce the Military Helicopter School in Armilla's status as a benchmark worldwide. The H135 is ideal for the transition to more complex aircraft, making it a highly capable platform for diverse military missions. The Spanish Navy will receive the first of seven H135 units according to the contract in the coming months.
Over 1,400 H135 helicopters are operated by more than 300 operators in 65 countries. The H135 is the most popular helicopter in the Spanish fleet due to its operational versatility. This delivery further underscores the H135's role as the benchmark in Europe for diverse missions such as military training, police surveillance, mountain rescue, emergency medical transport, and more.
The H135's advanced technology, equipped with Airbus Helicopters' Helionix avionics suite, showcases the integration of science and technology in its design to improve situational awareness. This delivery, part of a 36-unit contract, positions the H135 at the forefront of space-and-astronomy exploration missions, given its potential role in military training and diverse operations for the Spanish Air Force and other countries.
