Five-blade Airbus H145 gains EASA approval

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by Yves Le Marquand
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The new Airbus’ five-bladed H145 has been certified by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). The foldable bladed helicopter is due for its first deliveries in late summer, while FAA approval is expected by year-end.

The certification covers the full range of capabilities, including single-pilot operations and Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) and single engine operations (Cat.A/VTOL), along with night vision goggles capability. Certification for the military version of the five-bladed H145 will be granted in 2021.

The new version of Airbus’ best-selling H145 light twin-engine helicopter was unveiled at Heli-Expo 2019 in Atlanta. Prior to successful high-altitude testing in South America, where the aircraft set its skids down on the Aconcagua, the highest mountain in the Southern hemisphere, the new H145 performed several trials including Spain, for medium altitudes, and Finland, for cold weather.

“Our new five-bladed H145 is an excellent example of our quest for continuous improvement and providing incremental innovation that responds to our customers’ requirements”, said Bruno Even, Airbus Helicopters CEO. “This helicopter combines value-added features with the robustness and the reliability of a tried-and-tested bestseller, making it very competitive in the light twin-engine market.”

This latest upgrade of the H145 family, which has over 1,350 aircraft in operation globally, adds a five-bladed rotor to the aircraft, increasing the useful load of the aircraft by 150kg (330 lb). Also, Airbus claims the simplicity of the new bearingless main rotor design will also ease maintenance operations, further improving the benchmark serviceability and reliability of the H145, while improving ride comfort for both passengers and crew.

Two Safran Arriel 2E engines power the H145 and the chopper is equipped with full authority digital engine control (FADEC) and the Helionix digital avionics suite. It includes a -four-axis autopilot increasing safety and its particularly low acoustic footprint makes the H145 the quietest helicopter in its class.

At a glance: Five-bladed H145

  • Maker: Airbus Helicopters
  • Engines: 2x Safran Ariel 2E
  • Capacity: 1 or 2 pilots + 10 passengers
  • Speed: 140kts
  • Range: 351nm
  • Flying time: 3h 34m.
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