Jupiter HT1

About the Jupiter HT1

ROLE

The Airbus Helicopters Jupiter HT Mk.1 (H145) provides advanced rotary wing flying training.

CAPABILITY

Like the Juno HT Mk.1 (H135), the Jupiter HT Mk.1 has introduced digital technology to the helicopter training programme.  The Juno and Jupiter cockpits include the very latest in Airbus Helicopters avionics which delivers enhanced safety and improved situational awareness. The type serves with 202 Squadron at RAF Valley which delivers maritime, mountain and search and rescue training to helicopter aircrew.

TYPE HISTORY

Germany’s MBB and Japan’s Kawasaki joined forces in 1977 to design and build the BK117, a twin-engined multi-role helicopter notably equipped with twin clamshell loading doors in its aft fuselage.  The first prototype completed its maiden flight on June 13, 1979 and deliveries began in 1983. 

DASA and subsequently Eurocopter continued the co-operation with Kawasaki, producing a range of improved variants before embarking upon design of a new helicopter in 1997.  This combined the BK117’s rear section and cabin with the cockpit and forward section of the EC135, creating a new-generation BK117 equivalent that was designated EC145 (Jupiter HT1) from 1999. Further variants followed, including the dramatically redesigned EC145T2, which emerged in 2011 equipped with Arriel 2E turboshafts and a Fenestron.  This aircraft forms the basis of the current production H145.  A total of seven Jupiter HT1s are now in service.