Airbus Helicopters will showcase the H135 aircraft as the future training helicopter for the U.S. Navy at the Naval Helicopter Association’s Fleet Fly-in at Naval Air Station Whiting Field in Pensacola, Florida from October 22-26.
“Airbus Helicopters is convinced the H135 is the best solution to prepare the next generation of U.S. Navy pilots for decades to come, both technically and economically,” said Chris Emerson, President of Airbus Helicopters, Inc. and Head of the North America region.
“We look forward to demonstrating why this aircraft is the best solution for the Navy’s helicopter training needs.”
Airbus pilots will conduct orientation flights with U.S. Navy pilots and other stakeholders to demonstrate the H135’s capabilities at the October fleet fly-in.
“As a twin-engine helicopter, the H135 provides a training environment most similar to the Navy’s warfighting rotorcraft fleet, creating opportunities for cost and operational efficiencies compared to a single-engine aircraft,” said Scott Tumpak, vice president of military programs at Airbus Helicopters, Inc.
The H135 has executed over 300,000 military training flight hours. Globally, the H135 operates in more than 60 countries and has flown more than 4.8 million hours.
The H135 trainers for the Navy will be produced at the company’s facility in Columbus, Miss., where the Lakota is manufactured. The Columbus workforce is comprised of more than 40 percent U.S. military veterans.
“A multi-mission and economical workhorse, the H135 is the right tool to support U.S. Navy initial pilot training. Airbus’ global success in delivering rotary wing training platforms is recognized worldwide,” Tumpak added.