**Airbus Awarded Landmark Contract to Supply 19 H135 Training Helicopters to the Royal Canadian Air Force**
In a significant development for both the aerospace industry and the Canadian military, Airbus has been awarded a landmark contract to supply 19 H135 training helicopters to the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). This contract represents a major step forward in modernizing the RCAF’s training capabilities and underscores Airbus’s growing role in the global defense and aerospace sectors.
### The H135: A Proven Training Platform
The Airbus H135 is a twin-engine light utility helicopter that has earned a reputation for its versatility, reliability, and advanced technology. It is widely used around the world for a variety of missions, including emergency medical services, law enforcement, and military training. The H135 is particularly well-suited for training purposes due to its advanced avionics, ease of handling, and cost-effectiveness.
The H135 is equipped with the Helionix avionics suite, which includes a 4-axis autopilot, reducing pilot workload and enhancing safety. This system is designed to mimic the avionics found in larger, more complex helicopters, making it an ideal platform for training pilots who will eventually transition to more advanced aircraft. The helicopter’s compact size and agility also make it perfect for simulating a wide range of operational scenarios, from basic flight training to more advanced mission-specific exercises.
### Enhancing RCAF’s Training Capabilities
The acquisition of the 19 H135 helicopters is part of the RCAF’s broader effort to modernize its fleet and enhance its training capabilities. The new helicopters will replace the aging Bell CH-139 JetRanger fleet, which has been in service for decades. The H135 will be used to train both new pilots and experienced aviators transitioning to more advanced aircraft, such as the CH-148 Cyclone maritime helicopter and the CH-147F Chinook heavy-lift helicopter.
The H135’s advanced avionics and flight systems will allow the RCAF to provide more comprehensive and realistic training to its pilots. The helicopter’s twin-engine configuration also offers an added layer of safety, which is particularly important for training missions. Additionally, the H135’s ability to operate in a wide range of environmental conditions, including extreme cold, makes it well-suited for Canada’s diverse and often challenging climate.
### A Boost for Canadian Aerospace
The contract is not only a win for Airbus but also a significant boost for the Canadian aerospace industry. Airbus has a long-standing presence in
