ANWB’s first H135 becomes operational in The Netherlands


In October 2018, the Royal Dutch Touring Club ANWB signed a framework contract with Airbus Helicopters for the delivery of six H135s. The first H135 of the initial batch of three H135s has been delivered to ANWB. The first operational posting of the H135 with registration “PH-DOC” started on Dec. 10 at the University Medical Center Groningen in the northern part of The Netherlands.

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ANWB’s first H135 (registration number “PH-DOC”) has officially become operational in The Netherlands. Frank Mink and Patrick Dirksen Photo

The aircraft was delivered straight from the Airbus Helicopters factory in Donauwörth in late September 2019 to the ANWB Medical Air Assistance maintenance facility at Lelystad Airport. The H135 is outfitted with a new medical interior from Bucher Leichtbau AG. It includes a new and more ergonomic stretcher system compared to the classic EC135 that ANWB has in its fleet.

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The cockpit has a Helionix avionics suite with three multi function displays. It also has a new Garmin GTN750 touchscreen GPS system. A rearview camera is an option that has also been installed to aid the pilot with landing in confined areas. In addition, the cockpit is readied for the use of night vision goggles in the future.

The H135 is equipped with two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW206B3 engines. The airframe also has medium height skids to get enough ground clearance during outfield landings. Finally, prior to delivery to its first operational posting, the aircraft also received ANWB markings and new high visibility markings that comply with the latest Dutch CAA regulations.

The new H135s will replace the older EC135s that ANWB currently has in its fleet.

  
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