Brunei orders six H145M helicopters following UK’s lead
The H145M is the military version of the H145 medium-sized (3.7t) helicopter. (Photo: Airbus)
Brunei has ordered six Airbus H145M helicopters, just weeks after the UK finalised its H145 order to fulfil missions in Brunei and Cyprus.
The medium helicopters will replace the Royal Brunei Air Force’s BO105 fleet to conduct close air support, aerial observation and other missions.
The H145M (formerly known as the EC645 T2) is the military version of the H145 medium-sized (3.7t) helicopter.
Integration of new Safran engines, four-axis AFCS and Fenestron tail rotor was intended to improve safety and mission efficiency on the aircraft. The H145M’s unobstructed main cabin has been equipped with a flat floor and two rows of rails that are reconfigurable.
The sliding side and rear clamshell doors, along with a high-set main rotor and Fenestron, offer 360° approachability for loading/unloading of armament, passengers or cargo while the rotors are turning. It can seat two pilots and up to 10 passengers in crash-worthy and foldable seats.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
M-345 officially enters service as trainer for Italian Air Force
The Leonardo M-345 High-Efficiency Trainer (HET) basic/advanced trainer is similar to the M-346, which is the second part of the Italian Air Force’s training system, but is a substantially smaller and less powerful aircraft.
-
Belgium’s F-35A order progresses at it awaits first jet delivery by late 2025
The first aircraft delivery timeline confirmation comes as Belgium weighs up an additional F-3A buy from Lockheed Martin.
-
Trump’s drone directives win US industry support but questions remain over ability to challenge Chinese market dominance
New presidential directives for UAV production are intended to remove bureaucratic barriers and support suppliers.
-
Enhancing education: How CAE is embracing new technology to boost military training
In Conversation... Shephard's Gerrard Cowan talks to CAE's Marc-Olivier Sabourin about how the training and simulation industry can help militaries achieve essential levels of readiness by leveraging new technology, innovative procurement methods and a truly collaborative approach.