This really is an excellent decision. I have to say I am very happy with it. It shows that there was a degree of thinking outside the box in selecting the most suitable helicopter from both categories.
The EC-135 is undoubtedly the most suitable helicopter from the LUH point of view. Slightly larger cabin volume and more modern than the A109(which first flew over 30 years ago), the EC135 is definitely a good helicopter when it's not overloaded with gadgets and ahem, a concrete block unlike a certain garda helicopter.
The AB139 was originally shown in mock up form in it's military variant. Described at the time as " the fastest way in and out of the battlefield" the aircraft is capable of seating 15 in a tight 5+5+5 arrangement but would comfortably carry a squad and two door gunners. Along with door mounted weaponary, the helicopter was designed from the outset to be capable of being fitted with weapons hardpoints on stub wings behind the passenger cabin doors. Capable of carrying underslung loads including the L119 105mm artillery piece the AB139 will not only allow traing for the aerial insertion and extraction of infantry, but also of artillery gun crews.
Obviously superior to the EC145 in terms of payload and size, the AB139 represents a sensible middle ground between the former and the Blackhawk, which is on the bottom end of the MLH scale and is very expensive to buy and operate. The selection of the AB139 leaves the door open for further examples to be bought if the need were to arise.
No one could have called this one because no one was expecting two different companies to be selected.
