Spanish Navy press release
The ‘H135 Joint Program Office’, which manages the procurement process, transferred the helicopter to the Spanish Navy at the ‘Airbus Helicopters’ facilities in Albacete (SE Spain). The transfer of the second H135 is scheduled for November 30, and the flight of both aircraft to Rota Naval Base on December 11. During the six weeks that the first ‘Nival’ will remain in Albacete, this helicopter will perform training flights with the pilots of the 12th Squadron.
The Navy’s H135 P3Hs incorporate exclusive modifications that enable them to operate on ships, such as pressurized fuel filling, manual folding of the main rotor, reinforced anti-corrosion treatment and a floating system. In addition, they have cabins with night vision goggle capability, all-weather and surface radar, electro-optical system (FLIR), side crane, barycentric hook, auxiliary fuel tanks, fast rope system and an air evacuation kit (MEDEVAC).
The H135 P3H is the first AIRBUS product to enter service in the Spanish Navy. It boasts a series of advanced avionics and easy maintenance. Once it completes the Initial Qualification process aboard an offshore patrol vessel (OPV) during the first half of 2024, and achieves its IOC (Initial Operational Capability) expected by the end of the second half of the same year, the 12th Aircraft Squadron will bring a state-of-the-art aeronautical training capability to the ’Cardona’ Naval Air Training School (EDAN).
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About Airbus H135
As one of Airbus’ most successful lightweight rotorcraft, the H135 is known for its endurance, compact build, low sound levels, reliability, versatility, and cost-competitiveness. The H135 comes with the lowest operating and maintenance costs within the twin-engine category. According to the company brochure, It also can perform varied missions, and can land almost anywhere, particularly in high and hot conditions, while carrying more payload over longer distances than other helicopters in its category.
The H135’s cockpit with its new 4-axis autopilot provides the highest-possible safety levels. The Helionix® avionics system designed by Airbus offers operators undisputed superiority for in-flight envelope protection, pilot assistance and situational awareness – resulting in unprecedented flight safety levels.
Specifications:
- Operational range: 342 nautical miles
- Speed: 136 knots
- MTOW / AGW: 2,980kg / 3,100kg
- 1/2 pilots, 5/6 passengers
