New Airbus light twin-engine H140 takes off at Verticon
Call a (new) air ambulance: Airbus launched its H140, aimed at the EMS market, at Verticon this week.
Airbus has launched its new H140 light twin-engine helicopter at Verticon 2025 – the vertical aviation event in Dallas, Texas
The multi-mission aircraft – an upgrade of the manufacturer’s H135 – is a 3t helicopter designed to complement the manufacturer’s light twin range for the emergency medical services (EMS), passenger transport, and private and business aviation markets. Entry into service in the EMS market is planned in 2028.
The H140 features a new T-shaped tail boom with an optimised Fenestron – a shrouded rotor that operates like a ducted fan, which is said to cut sound levels. Equipped with a five-blade bearingless main rotor (introduced on the H145 in 2019) and new power unit, supplied by Safran Engines, the aircraft has a larger cabin space than the H135. It also has large windows and optimised cabin layout that can accommodate up to six passengers.
Different stretcher systems
Designed with air ambulance operations in mind, the aircraft features large clamshell doors and the high tail boom. The rear loading design is said to enable the use of different stretcher systems including intensive care and transport incubators. Large sliding doors are sent to improve access to the cabin.
During a glitzy reveal at the Verticon event on Airbus’s stand – complete curtains falling to the floor to reveal a full-scale model of the H140 – Bruno, CEO of Airbus Helicopters introduced the aircraft as: “Our new bird.” Its launch is testimony to the manufacturer’s commitment to meeting customers’ changing mission requirements, he said. It’s design had benefited from the company’s research and technology programmes such as Bluecopter. (This demonstrator programme explored the use of eco-friendly and efficient helicopter technologies to cut fuel consumption, carbon dioxide emissions and noise levels through advanced rotor, airframe, and engine management systems).
“We worked hand in hand with our H135 customers to bring their additional requirements together in the H140’s efficient design,” said Even. “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,” he added.
Safran Arrius 2E 700 shp engines
Powered by two Safran Arrius 2E 700 shp engines, the H140 is claimed to offer the best payload/range in its class. The power units are managed by a dual-channel full-authority digital engine control (FADEC) system. This is designed to guarantee “unprecedented levels of performance in all engines operative (AEO) operations” plus power reserves in one engine inoperative scenarios.
The bearingless main rotor is designed to simplify maintenance, improve serviceability and reliability while offering the highest level of passenger and crew comfort. Operators of the H140 will be offered a maintenance plan that harmonises airframe and engine maintenance schedules and allows longer intervals between inspections, reducing the helicopter’s operating and maintenance costs, according to Airbus.
The manufacturer plans four dedicated prototypes, with the first aircraft undergoing flight tests at Donauwörth, in Bavaria, southern Germany.
