Eurocopter to provide EC145 T2 helicopters for Germany’s Baden Württemberg

Eurocopter has been awarded a contract to deliver six EC145 T2 helicopters to Germany’s Landespolizei Baden Württemberg police, the first law enforcement customer for new version of the EC145 twin-engine rotorcraft.

Under the contract, Eurocopter will deliver EC145 T2 highly capable multi-role helicopters to the southwestern German state’s police force to replace a mixed fleet of two other helicopter types.

The helicopters are scheduled to be delivered in 2015-2016.

Eurocopter Europe sales and customer relations vice president Thomas Hein said that the EC145 T2 feature advanced and expandable mission systems and improved performance to significantly enhance capabilities for the police forces.

"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," Hein added.

Powered by new Arriel 2E engines, the Eurocopter’s EC145 T2 features Fenestron shrouded tail rotor as well as upgraded main and tail rotor gear boxes.

Fitted with new digital avionics suite with 4-axis autopilot, the aircraft will be integrated with a modern mission management system to support multi-role capabilities in law enforcement, using forward-looking infrared (FLIR) and daylight cameras for observation and surveillance.

Baden Württemberg interior minister Reinhold Gall said the company guarantees the highest standard for the police units with the procurement of six new police helicopters.

"At the same time, the change to a fleet of only one helicopter type allows savings in maintenance and training," Gall added.

Work under the contract will be carried out at the company’s production facility in Donauwörth, Germany while the helicopter’s certification and the start-up of deliveries are scheduled in 2014.

Currently, the Landespolizei Baden Württemberg operates Eurocopter-built EC155 helicopters and the MD902 Explorer.

Image: A Eurocopter-built EC145 T2 helicopter during its flight. Photo: © Eurocopter, Charles Abarr.