Airbus, Airbus Helicopters, Inc. in Columbus, Mississippi. continues to expand its product portfolio supporting the future of space exploration with the delivery of two new H135 helicopters from the manufacturing and completion facility to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
With the third H135 scheduled for delivery early next year, the helicopters will be deployed at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida and will be used for rocket launches for a variety of missions, including air safety, emergency medical services, research, and skilled passenger transport.
David Ramsey, Chief Flight Operations Officer of NASA Kennedy Space Center, said, “We are delighted to see Airbus helicopters in our fleet. As NASA tried to restore its aging helicopter fleet, it chose the H135 for its performance, capabilities, and ability to meet our needs. In the coming years, these helicopters will not only support safety and routine missions at the Kennedy Space Center, but also support our astronauts and crew as they launch important missions to the International Space Station (ISS), the Moon and beyond.
In October, one of the H135s will take the Crew Dragon members on a 6-month expedition to SpaceX's ISI to the historic launch pad at 39A. Helicopters will also support the preparation and execution of the Artemis project, a manned lunar travel program by 2024.
"Working with NASA is something we've dreamed of since childhood - myself included - and we are ready to fully support the new H135s," said Romain Trapp, President of Airbus Helicopters North America. "It is truly an honor and privilege to build a helicopter that will help NASA realize critical advances in science and aviation technology."
Airbus 'lightweight, twin-engine H135 helicopter is equipped with the most advanced technologies available, including Airbus Helicopters' own Helionix digital avionics package. Operated by close to 300 customers around the world, the H135 is known for its excellent performance, durability, reliability and versatility.
Airbus Helicopters, which recently signed a $ 15 million support solution agreement with NASA with the option to extend up to 10 years, will operate NASA's H135 helicopter fleet at full capacity. Additionally, Airbus will be responsible for helicopter flight operations at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, deploying two pilots, two mechanics and a program manager.
Airbus Helicopters Inc. It is the United States' leading helicopter supplier, with 50 years of existence, more than 725 employees, local production and completion facilities for H125 and UH-72 Lakota helicopters, as well as providing world-class training and support solutions.
