1,500th EC135/H135 Goes to ADAC Air Rescue

ADAC, September 01, 2023 - Airbus Helicopters delivered its 1,500th H135 helicopter to German operator ADAC Air Rescue.

The helicopter manufacturer handed over the anniversary model to the non-profit company in Donauwörth on August 30.

Managing director of ADAC Luftrettung gGmbH Frédéric Bruder present at the ceremony emphasized: “With the investment in the latest version of the H135, we are once again increasing the quality of care and flight safety and are also pioneers in Germany with innovative retrofitting solving proactively is the core of our mission."

Stefan Thomé, managing director of Airbus Helicopters Germany said "We are pleased to celebrate another important milestone in the more than 50-year partnership. We are proud of the cooperation and that we support ADAC Luftrettung with our helicopters and services in their important mission: saving lives"

Better patient care and more safety

"The new machine, along with another of the same type purchased by ADAC Luftrettung, marks the first rescue helicopters in Germany to be equipped with the special "Kokon" interior paneling from the partner development and maintenance company, HeliAir. This innovative paneling allows for flexible attachment of medical equipment to the walls and ceiling of ADAC rescue helicopters.

The ventilator, defibrillator, patient monitor, and oxygen cylinders can now be placed precisely where needed, optimizing patient treatment. Additionally, the "Cocoon" system offers significant weight savings compared to other fastening methods, enabling the transport of more rescue materials, medical equipment, or fuel.

ADAC Luftrettung has outfitted its new H135 helicopters, with two already in operation, with the LS400 LED headlight system, specially developed for these aircraft. This system comprises two fold-out landing and searchlights that can be independently swiveled and offer various light modes. This flexibility allows both the pilot and TCNVIS (a crew member trained to use night vision devices) to tailor the lighting to specific conditions, ensuring safer take-offs and landings.

To provide wireless internet access at 4G/LTE speeds, ADAC Luftrettung has installed dedicated Flightcell WiFi routers in the cockpit. These routers can simultaneously connect to multiple cell phone providers, ensuring a stable WiFi signal for the crew. This technology enables early coordination of patient treatment via Internet telephony and the transmission of crucial patient data to medical facilities in advance."

Additional advantages

In addition to the retrofits, the latest H135 generation incorporates standard features and functions that enhance the safety of both patients and crews. The "Cable Cutter" system has been implemented to prevent the helicopter from becoming entangled in high-voltage or telephone lines during low-level flight. Sword-shaped "cable deflectors" on the headlights, windshield wipers, and skids are designed to push aside or sever cables before a collision can occur.

These helicopters are also equipped with a glass cockpit, providing better visibility for navigation, and a modern control system with a four-axis autopilot, aimed at reducing the pilot's workload. Two rear-facing cameras contribute to an expanded field of vision for the crew. One camera is mounted on the boom and points forward, while the other, situated on the landing gear, can be directed backward or downward. This setup ensures that obstacles such as poles or traffic signs are more visible, aiding in the selection of suitable landing sites.

The H135 (formerly known as EC135) holds the distinction of being the most frequently used rescue helicopter in German air rescue operations. ADAC Luftrettung acquired its first H135 in 1996, and in 2011, the Flying Yellow Angels welcomed the 1,000th aircraft of this model. With the addition of the two new H135s (bearing serial numbers 1,499 and 1,500 from Airbus Helicopters), ADAC Luftrettung's fleet now boasts 39 H135/EC135 aircraft. These newcomers are scheduled to be stationed at the air rescue stations "Christoph 25" in Siegen and "Christoph 15" in Straubing, starting from early 2024. Meanwhile, the two existing helicopters of the new type will serve in Zwickau and Dinkelsbühl