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Airbus introduces light twin-engined H140

Airbus Helicopters at the Verticon trade show in Dallas, Texas, introduced its H140 as a multi-mission helicopter in the light twin-engined 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. The entry into service of the helicopter is planned in 2028 for the emergency medical services segment.

“We worked hand in hand with our H135 customers to bring their additional requirements together in the H140’s efficient design,” said Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters. “It enables customers to benefit from a bigger mission-enhancing cabin space that was sized to an optimized engine performance for the best-in-class payload and range.”

Airbus presented a full-scale model of the H140 in an emergency medical services configuration at Verticon. The company points to a range of features on the H140, including 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 will also feature a larger cabin space, large windows and optimized cabin layout that can accommodate up to six passengers.

Also at Verticon, Metro Aviation, an air medical operator based in Shreveport, Louisiana, signed an agreement for up to 36 Airbus H140 helicopters in the emergency medical services (EMS) sector. Metro Aviation ordered 12 H140s, with options for 24 additional helicopters. It will serve as one of the launch customers for the new H140 helicopter.

Air Methods, the largest air medical provider in the U.S., also announced a deal with Airbus at Verticon for the acquisition of an unspecified number of H140 helicopters, as well as 10 H125s and 11 H135s, to support its air medical missions across the country.

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 is powered by two Safran Arrius 2E 700 shp engines, managed by a dual-channel full-authority digital engine control (FADEC) system. The H140 will feature Helionix, Airbus Helicopters’ avionic system that also equips the H135, H145, H160 and H175.

The new H140 will integrate the same five-bladed rotor system that was introduced on the H145 in 2019. The bearingless main rotor design, explains Airbus, simplifies maintenance, and improves serviceability and reliability. The design 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.

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