Airbus introduces the light twin-engined H140 to its range

Airbus Helicopters has introduced its H140 at the vertical lift industry show VERTICON in Dallas, Texas. The multi-mission helicopter raises the bar in the light twin-engined category, for performance, cost-effectiveness, and passenger and crew comfort. The H140 is a 3-tonne class rotorcraft that complements Airbus Helicopters' current light twin offering for the emergency medical services, passenger transport, and private and business aviation markets. The entry into service of the helicopter is planned in 2028 for the emergency medical services segment.

Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters commented: “Introducing a new helicopter to the light twin engine segment is a testimony to our commitment to meeting our customers’ evolving mission requirements, leveraging our R&T programmes such as Bluecopter. We worked hand in hand with our H135 customers to bring their additional requirements together in the H140’s efficient design. It enables customers to benefit from a bigger mission-enhancing cabin space that was sized to an optimised engine performance for the best-in-class payload and range. We are proud to be able to offer our customers the most competitive choices.” 

The Company presented a full-scale model in an emergency medical services configuration at VERTICON. The H140 features a wide range of innovations, including a new T-shaped tail boom with an optimised Fenestron that reduces sound levels, a five-blade bearingless main rotor, and new powerful engines. The helicopter also features a larger cabin space, large windows and optimised cabin layout that can accommodate up to six passengers comfortably. Designed with accessibility in mind, thanks to the large clamshell doors and the high tail boom, the H140’s rear loading capabilities allow the use of different types of stretcher systems including intensive care ones and transport incubators while its large sliding doors facilitate access to the cabin.

The H140, powered by the Safran Arrius 2E 700 shp engine, offers the best payload/range in its class. The two engines of the helicopter are managed by a dual-channel full-authority digital engine control system, guaranteeing unprecedented levels of performance in all engines operative operations and considerable power reserves in one engine inoperative scenarios.

The new H140 also features the same five-bladed rotor system that was introduced on the H145 in 2019. The bearingless main rotor design simplifies maintenance, improves serviceability and reliability, and provides the highest level of passenger and crew comfort. H140 operators will benefit from an optimised maintenance plan that harmonises airframe and engine maintenance schedules and allows longer intervals between inspections, reducing the helicopter's operating and maintenance costs. In total, the company will have four dedicated prototypes, with the first aircraft already being flight tested at the company’s site in Donauwörth. 

The H140 will feature Helionix, Airbus Helicopters’ avionic system that also equips the H135, H145, H160 and H175. Helionix, in addition to the 4-axis autopilot, offers an innovative cockpit layout to enhance situational awareness, reducing the pilot workload and increasing the safety during the mission.