Airbus Helicopters recently unveiled its latest model, the H140 at Verticon in Dallas, Texas. The multi-mission helicopter is reckoned to raise the bar in the light twin-engine category, offering improved performance, cost-effectiveness and comfort for both passengers and crew.

The H140 is a three-tonne class rotorcraft that complements Airbus’ current light twin offering in the emergency medical services, passenger transport and private and business aviation markets. Entry into service is planned for 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,” says Airbus CEO Bruno Even. “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.”

Airbus presented a full-scale model of the H140 in an emergency medical services configuration at the show. The helicopter features a wide range of innovations, including a T-shaped tail boom with an optimised Fenestron that reduces sound levels, a five-blade bearingless main rotor and more powerful engines. It also offers greater cabin space, with large windows and optimised layout to accommodate up to six passengers comfortably. Designed with accessibility in mind, the large clamshell doors and high tail boom facilitate the use of various stretcher systems, while the large sliding doors improve cabin access.

Powered by the Safran Arrius 2E 700shp engine, the most advanced model of the Arrius family, the H140 provides the best payload/range in its class. Its two engines are managed by a dual-channel full-authority digital engine control system, ensuring outstanding performance in all engines operative operations and considerable power reserves in one engine inoperative scenarios.

The Arrius 2E benefits from innovative technologies developed on the Arriel 2E and Arrano 1A engines (respectively powering the H145 and H160 helicopters) improving its operability and competitiveness. A redesign of the hot section allows an additional 10 per cent of power compared to previous generations of the Arrius 2 engine. The association of the latest dual-channel FADEC with an advanced engine control system brings reliability and availability to the next level. The Arrius 2E also features additive manufactured parts, including the HMU , decreasing the overall weight of the engine while increasing the performance of this key equipment.

Thanks to these improvements, the Arrius 2E benefits from reduced operating costs and a light maintenance schedule displaying a time between overhaul of no less than 5,000 hours at entry into service.

“The Arrius 2E is a new engine that maintains high commonality with other Arrius 2 models, while incorporating new technologies that maximise its performance and make it easier to use. By selecting Safran Arrius engines for its light twin-engine helicopters, Airbus is choosing the best propulsion solution available for this type of helicopter and a world-class support network,” says Cédric Goubet, president of Safran Helicopter Engines.

The H140 also features the same five-bladed rotor system introduced on the H145 in 2019. The bearingless main rotor design simplifies maintenance and improves serviceability and reliability. Operators will benefit from an optimised maintenance plan that harmonises airframe and engine schedules, allowing longer intervals between inspections and reducing operating and maintenance costs. The company plans to have four dedicated prototypes, with the first already flight-tested at the company's site in Donauwörth, Germany.

The H140 will be equipped with Helionix, Airbus Helicopters’ advanced avionics system, which is also used in the H135, H145, H160 and H175. Helionix, in addition to the four-axis autopilot, features a cockpit layout that enhances situational awareness, reducing pilot workload and increasing safety during missions.