The German Army is to replace its ageing Bell UH-1D 'Huey' search-and-rescue (SAR) helicopters with new Airbus Helicopters H145 platforms to be delivered in 2020.
The Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology, and In-Service Support (BAAINWBw) has ordered seven H145s to replace the UH-1Ds that the army uses in the SAR role.
The new helicopters will be stationed at the current home of the UH-1D SAR force at Niederstetten, as well as at Holzdorf and Nörvenich. Airbus Helicopters will be responsible for logistics support, repair, and maintenance of the helicopters.
The H145 SAR helicopters are to be equipped with high-performance cameras, searchlights, emergency beacon locator systems, a full suite of medical equipment, and rescue winches and load hooks that can be used for fire-extinguishing buckets.