Airbus Unveils New Version of H-145 Chopper at Atlanta’s Heli-Expo 2019

Airbus Helicopters has unveiled a new version of its H-145 twin-engine light utility helicopter at the ongoing Heli-Expo 2019 in Atlanta, USA.

The latest upgrade to the chopper involves incorporating five-bladed rotor to the H-145. Maximum take-off weight is raised to 3,800 kg and a useful load now equivalent to the aircraft’s empty weight, the company said in a statement Monday.

The new bearingless main rotor design will help ease maintenance operations. The reduced rotor diameter will allow the H145 to operate in confined areas. The chopper has a wireless Airborne Communication System (wACS), allowing seamless and secure transmission of data generated by the helicopter.

EASA certification is planned for early 2020, with first deliveries to follow later that year. The upgrade will be offered to current H-145 customers as a retrofit option.

Powered by two Safran Arriel 2E engines, the H-145 is equipped with full authority digital engine control (FADEC) and the Helionix digital avionics suite. It includes a 4-axis autopilot, increasing safety and reducing pilot workload. The helicopter also has a low acoustic footprint, the company stated further.