South Australia Police (SAPOL) has significantly enhanced their aerial support capabilities with the introduction of a new twin-engine SAPOL Airbus H145 D3 helicopter. This latest acquisition, which focuses on delivering a quieter, faster, and more fuel-efficient response, is set to replace the current fleet’s 30-year-old helicopter.
This improvement is part of a $150 million State Government initiative to strengthen emergency helicopter services. The H145, representing the state’s first five-blade aerial vehicle, is notably the quietest helicopter in its class due to an enclosed rear rotor which effectively minimises operational noise.
Dan Cregan, the Minister for Police, expressed confidence in the investment, stating, “The Government is supporting SA Police with the latest equipment to tackle crime and keep the community safe. This state-of-the-art technology will help achieve a new standard in aerial law enforcement.” He added that increasing officers’ capability to respond swiftly—while also reducing noise pollution—strengthens the overall emergency helicopter service.
In terms of capabilities, the H145 is fitted with sophisticated technology tailored for enhanced crime fighting, while also mitigating disturbance in urban settings. Training for the operation of the new helicopter will be conducted over the next weeks. During this transition period, the existing aircraft will remain in service.
Chiefly used for airborne law enforcement, the SAPOL helicopter supports various operations, such as search and rescue missions both on land and at sea, and road safety enforcement. With the inclusion of the new helicopter, SAPOL aims to bolster the efficiency and scope of their aerial response.
The helicopter will join the ranks of the State Rescue Helicopter Service (SRHS), which serves as a shared around-the-clock emergency response facility between SAPOL and the SA Ambulance Service (SAAS). Alongside this improvement, the government has renewed its SRHS contract with Babcock Australasia for another four years, continuing a partnership that adds an additional Bell 412 EP aircraft designated for SAAS and expected to commence operations by end of 2024.
Andrew Cridland, CEO of Babcock Australasia, spoke on the collaboration, saying, “We are extremely pleased to be able to deliver this latest generation aircraft with a configuration that has been designed in collaboration with SAPOL to best suit its needs.” He highlighted the aircraft’s superior features, which include being quieter, faster, lighter, and more manoeuvrable than its predecessor.
This upgrade not only advances SAPOL’s operational capabilities but also ensures a higher level of security and safety across South Australia, a sentiment echoed by SA Commissioner of Police Grant Stevens when he said, “This modern addition enhances our operational capabilities and ensures a safer South Australia for all residents.”
Annually, the SRHS aircraft undertake approximately 1,300 missions totalling over 2,000 flight hours. With these new enhancements, including additional engineering resources and updated equipment, the service is poised for a significant capacity uplift.
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