Austrian ÖAMTC Air Rescue starts fleet modernization
By signing a contract for the delivery of five new Airbus H135 helicopters, the Austrian ÖAMTC Air Rescue has set the first step in the modernization of its fleet. The delivery of the first helicopter of this contract is scheduled for early 2022.

The new H135s are so-called “Helionix” versions in which the 4-axis autopilot reduces the workload for the pilot during rescue missions which are often performed in adverse weather conditions. Designed with three large electronic displays, the cockpit is Night Vision Goggle compatible and includes a First Limit Indicator which highlights the appropriate engine instrument data for the pilot in one indicator.

Airbus has recently certified a new single pilot IFR Helionix cockpit for its H135 helicopters. The modified cockpit enables customers to choose between removing the copilot side of the instrument panel to increase the field of view or to keep it in order to install specific STC equipment.

 Airbus and ÖAMTC Air Rescue have a long lasting relation: ÖAMTC Air Rescue operates 28 H135 helicopters from 17 permanent bases and 4 additional bases during the wintertime in Austria. Last year, the operator performed more than 20,000 missions, with on average 52 missions per day. And the Austrian company is not the only one to be satisfied with the H135: to date, more than 1,400 helicopters of the H135 family have been delivered around the globe with more than 5,6 million flight hours. The type is by many considered to be the standard in helicopter emergency medical service operators worldwide!

Photos: Airbus