Airbus Helicopters introduces the light twin-engined H140

Airbus Helicopters introduced its H140 at the vertical lift industry show VERTICON in Dallas, Texas. The multi-mission helicopter is a 3-tonne class rotorcraft intended to complement Airbus Helicopters' current light twin offering for the emergency medical services (EMS), passenger transport, and private and business aviation markets. The helicopter's entry into service is planned for 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."

The company presented a full-scale model of an emergency medical services configuration at the show. The H140 features a new T-shaped tail boom with an optimized Fenestron that reduces sound levels, a five-blade bearingless main rotor, and new engines. The helicopter also features a larger cabin, large windows, and a cabin layout that can comfortably accommodate up to six passengers. With large clamshell doors and a 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 (515 kW) engine, offers the best payload/range in its class. The two helicopter engines are managed by a dual-channel full-authority digital engine control (FADEC) system. The 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. The H140 will feature Helionix, Airbus Helicopters' avionic system that includes a 4-axis autopilot.

The company will have four dedicated prototypes, with the first aircraft already being flight-tested at the company's site in Donauworth. 

(article source: Airbus / editor: Anton van Rijsbergen)
(image source: Airbus)