Airbus Helicopters has introduced a new multi-mission helicopter in the light twin-engine category. 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. Entry into service is planned in 2028 for the emergency medical services segment.
“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 in an emergency medical services configuration at the vertical lift industry show Verticon in Dallas, Texas.
The H140’s features include a new T-shaped tail boom with an optimised Fenestron designed to reduce sound levels; a five-blade bearing-less main rotor; and new engines. The helicopter also has a larger cabin space, large windows and optimised cabin layout that can accommodate up to six passengers.
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 is powered by two Safran Arrius 2E 700 shp engines, managed by a dual-channel full-authority digital engine control (FADEC) system.
The new H140 also features the same five-bladed rotor system that was introduced on the H145 in 2019. The bearing-less main rotor is designed for simplified maintenance, improved serviceability and reliability, and the highest comfort.
The H140’s maintenance plan harmonises airframe and engine maintenance schedules and allows longer intervals between inspections. In total, the company will have four dedicated prototypes, with the first aircraft already being flight tested at the company’s site in Donauwörth, Germany.
The H140 will feature Helionix, the Airbus Helicopters avionic system that also equips the H135, H145, H160 and H175. The helicopter also has four-axis autopilot.
