Helicopters Airbus Helicopters signs support contract with NASA for H135 fleet

Aircraft manufacturer Airbus and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) have signed a new support contract that will cover the entire H135 fleet. According to Airbus, the deal is worth US$ 15 million and will include HCare Infinite support solutions.

The contract sees Airbus providing its services for two years, but the partnership can be extended to up to 10 years when the respective options are being exercised. The first H135 helicopters are expected to be delivered later this month.

David Ramsey, Chief of Flight Operations at NASA Kennedy Space Center said: “With this new HCare contract, NASA is relying on Airbus’s manufacturer expertise for the comprehensive management of all support and service needs. The OEM experience and knowledge will provide support as NASA transitions from an aging aircraft fleet into the advanced H135 helicopter [...] The OEM level of expertise will ensure that the transition of aircraft is a smooth and safe process and will allow KSC Flight Operations to focus our attention on supporting those NASA Programs and Partners that are advancing science, technology, aeronautics, and space exploration.”

Airbus´ main focus lays on ensuring the overall operational availability of the aircraft by managing all of NASA´s scheduled and unscheduled maintenance. Also, the manufacturer will provide spare parts and will be responsible for the helicopter flight operations by stationing two pilots, two mechanics and one program manager at NASA´s Kennedy Space Center (KSC).

Anthony Baker, vice president of Customer Support and Services at Airbus Helicopters, Inc added: “Our customers’ success lies in their ability to ensure aircraft are ready to take off the second they need them, and our HCare support solutions provide the guarantee that we have taken care of everything to ensure their full fleet availability [...] Our entire team is extremely proud to support the future of space exploration by providing both new helicopters and full support services to NASA.”

Over the course of a fleet renewal initiative, NASA has purchased new H135 helicopters which will be stationed at Cape Canaveral. They will be primarily used for missions including EMS, personnel transport or for ensuring security during rocket launches.

Airbus´ HCare Infinite plan is the company´s most comprehensive level of customer support and guarantees the customer´s full fleet operational availability, including maintenance, technical support, and the supply of spare parts, tools and consumables.