Europe's Watchmen: why the Lithuanian Border Guard chose the five-bladed Airbus H145

As one of the eastern-most countries in the European Union, Lithuania occupies an important strategic position. With the Lithuanian Border Guard receiving its first three five-bladed H145s, Pilot and Technical Engineer Lt. Col. Audrius Vaicekauskas explains the impact of the new helicopter on their range of vital operations.  

What was the driving factor behind choosing the five-bladed H145?

Audrius Vaicekauskas: We assessed and evaluated our daily tasks (border patrols, migration control, law enforcement tasks, SAR, etc.) and, based on the current limitations we faced (lifting power, mission equipment interchangeability), it was obvious that we needed extra power and capabilities, and that made us think about upgrading our fleet. The main goal was multimission and increased payload capabilities, which are still real game changers. The five-bladed H145 is the best helicopter in its class and with its higher lifting capability, only this helicopter could fulfill our tasks and missions. 

 

How does Lithuania's size and location influence your choice of helicopter?

Audrius Vaicekauskas: We are a really small country. In Lithuania, only two state institutions have helicopters: the Lithuania Air Force and the State Border Guard Service. The spectrum of missions we have carried out is really wide. We do everything from our daily law enforcement tasks such as border control, SAR, down to VIP transport or tasks involving special forces. Being a small country, we unfortunately cannot have a fleet of 10, 15, or 20 helicopters, so the modularity of the five-bladed H145 and interchangeability of mission equipment is a game changer. Any mission equipment arrangement can be done in 10 to 30 minutes, for any unforeseen mission.

Could you highlight some of the unique missions that demonstrate the H145’s necessity in your operations?

Audrius Vaicekauskas: Amongst the many missions we fly, we have a specially designated task of following the Russian Federation trains crossing Lithuanian territory from Belarus to Kaliningrad. The only way to monitor this train movement within the inner territory of the country, as well as being able to provide rapid response, if required, is with helicopters. Also, as a Border Guard Service, we have a unique and special task to monitor possible radioactive fallout and contamination areas using special gamma-spectrometry monitoring systems installed onboard the helicopters in the unlikely event of a radiological incident at Astravets nuclear power plant (in the Republic of Belarus), which is located in alarmingly close proximity to Vilnius – our highly-populated capital.

The five-bladed H145 features Helionix avionics and a four-axis autopilot. What has been the impact of this new technology?

Audrius Vaicekauskas: The new avionics equipment is amazing...it’s like the helicopter is supercharged with new functions and especially safety functions, that will think two steps ahead of the pilot and, if it is really necessary, will react proactively... I am very impressed with this new system. Compared to older cockpits, it is something new and magical. Even if it sounds quite difficult, it was a really quick and smooth transition from the H135, H145 to the five-bladed H145... we basically only needed very minor differences in our training. I think all of my colleagues felt quite comfortable with the new machines within about a week or two of training. 

How do helicopters strengthen your critical role as a gatekeeper of the EU's external border?

Audrius Vaicekauskas: It is true, we are acting as gatekeepers. Given the difficult geopolitical situation we currently have in the EU and especially at our borders, this role is more vital today than ever before. The capabilities of these helicopters make them beneficial not only for Lithuania, but for the whole of the EU as the missions we do ensure EU safety and security. The arrival of the five-bladed H145 in our fleet is a long-awaited, pivotal moment for us, for our law enforcement and defence community and our country. We feel confident, safer and ready to carry out a wider mission profile than ever before.