Airbus Australia Pacific Managing Director Andrew Mathewson has confirmed that Airbus is offering the H145M in response to the Commonwealth of Australia’s request for information for a four-tonne class, rapidly deployable, multi-role helicopter for Australian Special Forces.

The request for information under the Australian Army's Project Land 2097 Phase 4 project was released in October 2018.

The H145M is the military version of the H145 multi-purpose twin. It is based on a commercial off-the-shelf platform with military-specific modifications, Mathewson underlines.

The Airbus Australia Pacific response includes selected industry partners and the provision of training, maintenance, logistics and engineering activities. A comprehensive transfer of technology and skills is planned in order to establish Airbus Australia Pacific as a regional centre able to proactively support Australian operational needs, and export this knowledge back into the wider H145M community, Mathewson explains.

Airbus highlights the following features of the H145M:

• Excellent access and cabin space

• Compact footprint for maximum agility

• Excellent hot and high performance

• Airbus Helionix cockpit

• Full multi-role capability

• High availability; reliable and robust systems; small logistic footprint; proven by operations in similar configuration, roles and environment

• High rotor clearance and shrouded Fenestron.

Other bidders reportedly include the Bell 407GT, Boeing's AH-6i and Leonardo's AW109 Trekker.