Airbus Helicopters Unveils New Aircraft, Wins Multiple Orders
airbus Helicopters H140: Bridging the Light Twin Market Gap
Table of Contents
- airbus Helicopters H140: Bridging the Light Twin Market Gap
- Airbus Helicopters H140: Your Questions Answered
- Frequently Asked Questions About the Airbus H140
- What is the Airbus H140 and what market gap dose it fill?
- What are the primary target markets for the Airbus H140?
- When is the Airbus H140 expected to enter service?
- What are some of the key features of the Airbus H140?
- Who has already ordered the H140?
- How does the H140 reflect Airbus Helicopters’ commitment to innovation?
- Airbus H135, H140, and H145: A Speedy Comparison
- Frequently Asked Questions About the Airbus H140
Published:
Airbus Unveils the H140 Light Twin Helicopter
Airbus Helicopters has officially introduced the H140, a new platform designed to bridge the gap between its H135 and H145 light-twin models. The unveiling took place at the VERTICON trade show in Dallas, Texas.
The H140, a 3-tonne class rotorcraft, is poised to complement Airbus Helicopters’ existing light twin offerings. It targets key markets including emergency medical services (EMS), passenger transport, and private and business aviation.
Early Orders Signal strong Market Interest
The H140 has already garnered meaningful attention, securing multiple orders. Metro Aviation, an air medical services operator based in Shreveport, Louisiana, has placed an order for 12 H140 helicopters, with options for an additional 24 units.
Air Methods, a leading U.S. air medical service provider, is also expanding its fleet with new Airbus helicopters. The agreement includes the acquisition of H140s, along with 10 H125s and 11 H135s, to support air medical missions across the country.
Rob Hamilton, DG of Air Methods, stated:
“We are thrilled to launch the expansion of our fleet with Airbus Helicopters. this global fleet agreement not only reinforces our ability to support our customers with state-of-the-art aircraft but also positions Air Methods strategically for sustained growth and innovation over the next decade.”
Rob Hamilton, DG of Air Methods
As the largest civil operator of Airbus helicopters worldwide, air Methods operates an extensive fleet of Airbus models, including the H125, H130, H135, and H145.
H140 Features and Planned Entry into Service
the H140 boasts enhanced space and performance capabilities. This light twin helicopter features a five-blade design and offers a more spacious cabin compared to the H135. It will be powered by the Safran Arrius 2E engine.
The entry into service for the H140 is planned for 2028, initially targeting the emergency medical services segment.
Airbus Helicopters’ Commitment to innovation
According to Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters:
“The introduction of a new helicopter on the light twin segment demonstrates our commitment to meeting the evolving mission requirements of our customers, leveraging our R&T programs such as Bluecopter.”
Bruno Even,CEO of Airbus Helicopters
Airbus Helicopters H140: Your Questions Answered
Published:
Frequently Asked Questions About the Airbus H140
What is the Airbus H140 and what market gap dose it fill?
The Airbus H140 is a new light-twin helicopter platform designed by Airbus Helicopters. It’s specifically designed to fit in the product range *between* the existing H135 and H145 models. This 3-tonne class rotorcraft aims to provide a balanced solution in terms of cabin size and capabilities for various operational needs.
What are the primary target markets for the Airbus H140?
- Emergency Medical Services (EMS): A key focus for the H140, with early adoption seen in this sector.
- Passenger Transport: Designed to offer agreeable and efficient transport solutions.
- Private and Business Aviation: Catering to executive travel and corporate needs.
When is the Airbus H140 expected to enter service?
The planned entry into service for the Airbus H140 is scheduled for 2028.The initial focus will be on serving the emergency medical services (EMS) segment.
What are some of the key features of the Airbus H140?
- Five-Blade Design: The H140 features a five-blade rotor system for enhanced performance and reduced noise.
- Spacious Cabin: Offers a more spacious cabin compared to the H135, enhancing passenger comfort and operational capabilities.
- Safran Arrius 2E Engine: Powered by the reliable and efficient Safran Arrius 2E engine.
Who has already ordered the H140?
- Metro Aviation: An air medical services operator based in Shreveport, Louisiana, placed an order for 12 H140 helicopters, with options for an additional 24 units.
- Air Methods: A leading U.S. air medical service provider, is expanding its fleet with H140s, along with H125s and H135s.
- ADAC Luftrettung and ÖAMTC Flugrettung: Signed a deal with Airbus Helicopters for the acquisition of ten H140 helicopters.Each operator will integrate five of the helicopters into their fleet.
How does the H140 reflect Airbus Helicopters’ commitment to innovation?
According to Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters, the H140 demonstrates the company’s dedication to meeting the evolving needs of customers by leveraging research and Technology (R&T) programs such as bluecopter. The introduction of this new helicopter in the light twin segment highlights Airbus’s continuous pursuit of innovation and improvement.
Airbus H135, H140, and H145: A Speedy Comparison
Hear’s a table summarizing the key differences between the Airbus H135, H140, and H145 helicopters:
| Feature | Airbus H135 | airbus H140 | Airbus H145 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class | Light Twin | Light Twin | Light Twin |
| Market Gap | Smaller end of light twins | Between H135 and H145 | larger end of light twins |
| Rotor System | Four-blade | Five-blade | Four or five-blade |
| Cabin Space | Smaller | More spacious than H135 | Most spacious |
| target EIS | In service | 2028 | In service |
| Primary Use Cases | EMS, police, VIP transport | EMS, passenger transport, business aviation | EMS, offshore, SAR |