Airbus Helicopters has unveiled their latest model, the H140, at the VERTICON show in Dallas, Texas. This versatile helicopter is redefining standards in the light twin-engine category regarding performance, cost-efficiency, and comfort for both passengers and crew. With a weight of 3 tonnes, the H140 is a valuable addition to Airbus Helicopters' offerings, suitable for emergency medical services, passenger transport, as well as private and business flights. The company aims to deploy this model for emergency medical services by 2028.
“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,” said Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters. “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,” he added.
The company unveiled a full-size model configured for emergency medical services. The H140 is equipped with advanced features, such as a new T-shaped tail boom with a quieter Fenestron, a five-blade rotor without bearings, and powerful new engines. The helicopter also boasts a larger cabin, expansive windows, and a configuration that accommodates up to six passengers comfortably. It is designed for optimal accessibility, featuring large clamshell doors and a high tail boom, facilitating the loading of various types of stretchers, including those for intensive care and transport incubators. Additionally, the large sliding doors provide easy access to the cabin.
The H140, equipped with the Safran Arrius 2E 700 SHP engines, delivers superior payload capacity and range for its category. Its dual engines are managed by a dual-channel FADEC system, ensuring exceptional performance during dual-engine operation and providing substantial power reserves in the event of a single-engine failure.
The new H140 is equipped with the advanced five-bladed rotor system that the H145 adopted in 2019. This bearingless rotor design enhances reliability, simplifies maintenance, and provides exceptional comfort for both passengers and crew. Operators of the H140 will appreciate the integrated maintenance plan, which aligns the airframe and engine schedules, allowing for extended intervals between inspections and reducing operating and maintenance expenses. The company is introducing four unique prototypes, with the first already in flight at their Donauwörth facility.
The H140 will be equipped with Helionix, the advanced avionics system utilized in Airbus Helicopters models H135, H145, H160, and H175. Helionix, featuring a 4-axis autopilot, provides an innovative cockpit design that enhances situational awareness, thereby facilitating the pilot's operations and ensuring mission safety.
