We are excited to launch a new series of articles where we showcase nice 3D models that form the backbone of our content production. We proudly present the Airbus H145M helicopter to kick off this series.
Overview of the Airbus H145M helicopter
The Airbus H145M is a state-of-the-art military helicopter developed by Airbus Helicopters, a leading European aerospace manufacturer formerly known as Eurocopter. This helicopter represents the militarized version of the H145, a versatile platform known for its agility, reliability, and cutting-edge technology. The H145M is very similar to the civilian H145 variant.
Deployment and capabilities
Since 2015, the Airbus H145M has been integral to the German Bundeswehr’s Special Forces Command. It is specifically engineered to support a variety of specialized missions, including surveillance, air assault, transport, and fire support. The helicopter has night vision compatibility, allowing it to operate effectively in low-light and nighttime environments. Additionally, it has side-mounted weapon pylons, a robust self-protection system, and enhanced armor plating to safeguard both the crew and the aircraft during combat missions. The comprehensive equipment package includes advanced avionics, communication systems, and mission-specific hardware, making the H145M an adaptable platform for diverse operational needs.
International use and versatility
Beyond its use by the Bundeswehr, the US Army uses the Airbus H145M with the name UH-72. In this role, the helicopter serves as a light utility aircraft, performing a variety of tasks such as transport, search and rescue, and general support missions.
H145M’s versatility, coupled with its performance characteristics, has made it a preferred choice for military operations across the globe in 18 user countries.
Technical specifications
The Airbus H145M is a compact yet powerful helicopter. Its main rotor spans a diameter of 11 meters. The helicopter’s overall length is 13.69 meters, and it stands 4 meters tall. These dimensions allow the H145M to operate in confined spaces while maintaining excellent handling and control. The aircraft is powered by two Turboméca Arriel 2E engines, delivering the necessary thrust for rapid deployment and sustained operations in various environments.
3D model creation and rendering
The 3D model of the Airbus H145M was created in Blender and consists of 60,296 polygons.
The object consists of 3 texture sets, with two of the texture sets using five 4K textures each, and the third texture set for the helicopter lights uses 512-pixel textures.
This rendering shows an HDRI texture for the environment and was accomplished with the Blender raytracer. We use Adobe Substance for the texturing.
The Airbus H145M 3D model is more than just a digital representation of a helicopter — it also demonstrates well the skills and creativity of our content artists. As we continue this series, we look forward to sharing more of our work and providing insights into the processes and technologies that drive our projects. Stay tuned for future articles where we will explore additional 3D models, each with its own unique story.
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