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**Airbus Awarded Landmark Contract to Supply 19 H135 Training Helicopters to 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 marks a major step forward in modernizing the RCAF’s training capabilities and enhancing the operational readiness of its personnel. The deal is part of a broader effort by the Canadian government to upgrade its military infrastructure and ensure that its armed forces are equipped with the latest technology and training tools.
### 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 law enforcement, emergency medical services, and military training. The H135 is particularly well-suited for training purposes due to its advanced avionics, ease of handling, and low operating costs.
One of the key features of the H135 is its Helionix avionics suite, which includes a four-axis autopilot, a glass cockpit, and advanced navigation systems. These features provide pilots with a high level of situational awareness and make the helicopter an ideal platform for training new pilots in both basic and advanced flight operations. The H135’s twin-engine configuration also enhances safety, making it a reliable choice for training missions.
### Enhancing RCAF Training Capabilities
The acquisition of the H135 helicopters is part of the RCAF’s broader effort to modernize its training fleet and ensure that its pilots are prepared to meet the challenges of modern military operations. The new helicopters will replace the aging fleet of Bell CH-139 JetRanger helicopters, which have been in service for several decades.
The H135 will be used primarily for pilot training at the RCAF’s 3 Canadian Forces Flying Training School (3 CFFTS) in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba. The school is responsible for training new pilots for the RCAF, and the addition of the H135 will significantly enhance its ability to provide high-quality training to both new and experienced pilots.
The H135’s advanced avionics and flight systems will allow the RCAF to train pilots in a variety of scenarios, including instrument flight, night operations, and search and rescue missions. The helicopter’s versatility also makes it an ideal platform for training pilots in both rotary-wing and multi-engine operations, providing the RCAF with a flexible and cost-effective solution for its training needs.
### Supporting Canada’s Defense Strategy
The contract to supply 19 H135 helicopters is part of Canada’s broader defense strategy, which emphasizes the importance of modernizing the country’s military capabilities and ensuring that its armed forces are prepared to respond to a wide range of threats. The acquisition of the H135 is in line with the Canadian government’s commitment to investing in the country’s defense infrastructure and ensuring that the RCAF has the
