In July 2018, Airbus Helicopters announced a large order from the Ukraine, including 21 H225s, 10 H145s and 24 H125s.

Prior to this official announcement, HeliHub.com reported that the H225s were in fact lease repossessions from offshore operator CHC which were being converted for the Ukraine, and included three in the search and rescue role.

At Heli-Expo 2019, Airbus provided further information on the H145s, noting that two will be delivered in the four-blade BK117D2 format, while the remaining eight will be built in the upgraded five-blade BK117D3 specification.  The latter provides an extra 150kg of payload.

HeliHub.com can now reveal that the first of the two four-blade H145s began its flight test phase on 27th May, and is painted in a dark blue and white scheme as shown in the photos accompanying this article.  With Ukraine language “Police” titles, and the serial 01 on the engine covers, the aircraft is not yet carrying any law enforcement role equipment externally.

© Copyright 2020 Alexander Lutz, and used on HeliHub with his permission