01.
Legacy Meets Innovation
At the time of its inception, the use of aircraft to fight wildfires was revolutionary. Over 50 years later, the original aircraft developed for these missions – including aircraft like the Bell 205, widely considered the original Type 2 firefighting workhorse – are still in use today. They’ve remained unchanged because their purpose is simple: get in, get out, and get it done safely. We believe that’s a legacy not only worth upholding, but improving.
For over 40 years, Hillsboro Aviation has been fighting forest fires – many of them in Bell 205s. In fact, we own the Bell 205A-1++ STCs – a sign of our respect for their legacy in firefighting history. And, staying true to our roots, we continue to operate a fleet of Bell Helicopters.
When the U.S. Forest Service approached us over 15 years ago wanting to discuss our thoughts on the future of firefighting given our history in the space, we prioritized two things: cutting-edge technology and state-of-the-art safety features.
And as those conversations evolved, so too did our focus on one aircraft: the Airbus H145D3.
02.
The Next Generation of Utility Aircraft
Over the next 10 years, we partnered with Airbus Helicopters to develop a custom-configured, first-of-its-kind H145D3 purpose-built for utility missions.
At every point in the process – from early conversations with the U.S. Forest Service, Airbus Helicopters, and our team to the day we took delivery of the aircraft – it was clear that this new wave of technology was not only the right tool for the job, but the future of utility and firefighting missions.
Designed to revolutionize these missions in the most challenging environments, the Airbus H145D3 marks the next generation of utility and firefighting aircraft. With state-of-the-art safety features and cutting-edge modifications, the Airbus H145D3 is redefining the landscape of firefighting, human external cargo, and search and rescue.
03.
This is History in the Making
The Airbus H145D3 is more than innovation for innovation’s sake. It’s more than technology, safety features, and performance. It’s more than a show piece. It’s not just a novelty. It’s the first real step into the future of utility and firefighting missions. It’s reshaping how we respond. It’s changing what we’re capable of in the face of emergency. It’s a new way to fight, a new way to serve, a new way to protect what matters most.
It’s more than a new helicopter. It’s a new world.
