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The helicopters Airbus H145 from Ecuadorian Air Force continue to demonstrate their importance in Ecuador in the face of catastrophes and natural phenomena.
in June 2023, Ecuador suffered floods caused by torrential rains, with six rivers overflowing in the northwestern province of Esmeraldas. More of 14.000 people were affected by the emergency, which led to the deployment of hundreds of soldiers and police, and the evacuation of more than 1.400 people in boats and helicopters.
The Airbus H145 in Ecuador
Along with dozens of tactical vehicles and rescue boats, two helicopters Airbus H145 They played a crucial role in flood relief efforts. Operated by the Ecuadorian Air Force (FAE), the H145 carried out search and rescue missions (SAR) and transported the victims to a safe place, including those who needed urgent medical attention.
Since the first H145 of Ecuador were delivered to the FAE in october 2020, These compact and versatile helicopters have been in constant action, providing security and humanitarian aid to the country's inhabitants. The last three helicopters were received in April 2021, completing the fleet of six units. Known locally as "Harpies", H145s are configured for operations that include SAR missions, medical evacuation, Firefighting, humanitarian aid and military tactical missions.
The incredible versatility of this light twin-engine helicopter, Its high availability rate and its ability to operate in high altitude and high temperature conditions make it the ideal choice for the challenging geography of Ecuador and to intervene in natural disasters. With its excellent performance in extreme conditions, The H145 is well suited for civil and military missions in Ecuador, covering a wide range of altitudes and terrain, from the Andes Mountains to the Amazon rainforest.
The helicopter demonstrated its extensive flight envelope in 2019 when landing at an altitude of 6.962 meters (22.840 pies) in Aconcagua, the highest mountain in the southern hemisphere, at a temperature of -22 ° C. The H145 was able to land its landing skids safely despite low air density and severe winds with gusts of up to 30 knots.
Together with an inherently versatile cabin design, The flexibility of the H145 comes from its wide range of special equipment including a rescue crane, external cargo hook, jungle penetrators, rappelling and fast rope systems, emergency flotation equipment, as well as weapon mounts, armor, night vision goggles and electro-optical systems.
In addition to carrying out rescue missions and transporting food, water and healthcare, The H145 has proven its worth in military and police operations. Helicopters have been used to combat illegal mining; transfer military personnel to help secure the northern border; provide public security during the protests that disrupted many parts of the country in June 2022; and carry out nighttime aerial surveillance and reconnaissance missions in conflictive areas of the province of Guayas.
H145 even participates in supporting civil society in Ecuador. During the general elections held on 20 august 2023, The helicopters helped the National Electoral Council by transferring personnel and materials to difficult-to-access areas of Esmeraldas, helping local communities exercise their right to vote.
The FAE is the first military customer for the H145 in Latin America, with a contract that includes the helicopters along with special mission equipment, logistical support and complete training for 12 pilots and 15 technical. Beyond Ecuador, The successful H145 is becoming the helicopter of choice throughout the region. The H145 is also in service in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Mexico and Peru, where it is used for a variety of public missions, parapublic and civil, from supporting the Argentine Federal Police to providing air transportation services to the energy industry in the Gulf of Mexico.
The deployment of H145 in Ecuador continues the country's efforts to modernize its air fleet. On 2018, Airbus delivered two H125 helicopters to the Ministry of Defense and the Ecuadorian Land Force, increasing the Army's operational capabilities for transportation missions, aerial surveillance and natural disaster relief. Just like its bigger cousin, el H145, The H125 is a single-engine workhorse that responds to the demanding needs of Ecuador with its versatility and power for multiple missions in extreme conditions..
From the H125 to the H225 heavy multipurpose helicopter and its military versions, Airbus helicopters are in service with most of the armed forces of Latin America and a wide range of commercial and parapublic operators. The difficult conditions in the region and the fact that extreme weather events are multiplying have driven demand for air guardians who can provide aid and security where it is needed most. Whether transporting people to hospitals or delivering food to an isolated population, the H145 has risen to the occasion for the people of Ecuador.
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