Airbus Helicopters has introduced the H140, a new light twin-engined helicopter, at the VERTICON vertical lift industry show in Dallas, Texas. The H140, a 3-tonne class rotorcraft, enhances Airbus’ light twin offering, targeting the emergency medical services (EMS), passenger transport, and private and business aviation markets. Entry into service is planned for 2028, starting with the EMS segment.
“Introducing a new helicopter in the light twin-engine segment reflects our commitment to meeting evolving customer requirements, leveraging our R&T programs such as Bluecopter,” said Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters. “We collaborated closely with H135 customers to incorporate their feedback into the H140’s design, ensuring increased mission capability with an optimized cabin and best-in-class payload and range.”
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Advanced Design and Enhanced Performance
The H140 features several innovations, including:
- T-shaped tail boom with an optimized Fenestron, reducing noise levels.
- Five-blade bearingless main rotor, enhancing reliability and reducing maintenance.
- Safran Arrius 2E 700 shp engines, managed by a dual-channel full-authority digital engine control (FADEC) system, providing superior performance in both AEO (all engines operative) and OEI (one engine inoperative) scenarios.
Increased Comfort and Mission Capability
Airbus presented a full-scale model of the H140 in an EMS configuration at VERTICON. The helicopter features a larger cabin with a flexible layout accommodating up to six passengers. Large sliding doors and a high tail boom allow easy loading, including intensive care stretchers and transport incubators.
The H140 is equipped with the Helionix avionics suite, which includes a 4-axis autopilot and an advanced cockpit layout, improving situational awareness and reducing pilot workload.
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Maintenance and Operational Efficiency
The H140 will benefit from an optimized maintenance schedule harmonizing airframe and engine inspections, leading to lower operating and maintenance costs. Airbus plans to develop four prototypes, with the first already undergoing flight tests at its Donauwörth facility.
With the H140, Airbus aims to set new standards in the light twin-engine helicopter market, delivering enhanced mission versatility and operational efficiency.
