Airbus H140: A New Era in Helicopters
Airbus Helicopters has introduced the H140, a next-generation light twin-engine helicopter designed to build on the success of its predecessors, the H135 and H145. With improved performance, enhanced comfort, and operational efficiency, the H140 aims to expand its market dominance.
Design Enhancements and Performance
The H140 is based on the H135 but features significant upgrades, including a 20% larger cabin.
“When we speak with our customers of the light twin helicopters, we often get the feedback that they need a helicopter with a large cabin, but which is very economic in operation — and when we speak about the 140, it’s exactly this.”
Externally, the H140 incorporates the bearingless five-bladed main rotor system from the latest H145. The rotor disc is raised by approximately four inches (10 cm), allowing for a taller tail boom. This creates more space for enlarged clamshell doors at the rear, improving access for loading—a key advantage for HEMS operations.
Innovative Tail Design
The H140 introduces an upd ated Fenestron with improved yaw performance and reduced noise. The horizontal stabilizer has been relocated to the top of the Fenestron, forming a “T-Tail.” This design enhances hover performance by approximately 80 kilograms (175 pounds) by moving the stabilizer out of the main rotor’s downwash.
Spacious Cabin and Comfort
The H140’s cabin offers a dramatic upgrade in space, with a volume of 215 cubic feet (6.10 cubic meters), compared to the H135’s 178 cubic feet (5.04 cubic meters). This allows six passengers to sit comfortably. The flat, obstruction-free floor runs from the cockpit to the clamshell doors, while larger windows improve visibility and safety. Despite these enhancements, the H140 remains compact, being only one meter longer than the H135.
Powerful Engines and Capability
Powered by two Safran Arrius 2E engines, the H140 delivers 700 shaft horsepower each while maintaining the same fuel burn as the H135’s Arrius 2B2+. The maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) is 7,000 pounds (3,175 kilograms), up from the H135’s 6,570 pounds (2,980 kilograms). The never-exceed speed (Vne) is 155 knots, a significant improvement over the H135’s 140 knots.
Advanced Cockpit Technology
The H140 shares the Helionix-based cockpit with the H135 and H145, featuring a four-axis autopilot and dual-channel FADEC. This ensures seamless operation and enhanced safety.
Flight Testing and Certification
Airbus aims for EASA certification and entry into service by 2028, with FAA validation expected the following year. Flight testing began in June 2023, logging 35 hours before pausing for design adjustments. By mid-2024, the team resumed testing with the new configuration.
“We are still in the development stage, but for this stage, the aircraft flies beautifully. The harmonization of lateral and cyclic forces, forward and aft and lateral, they are so well harmonized, it’s just beautiful — and we haven’t done very much on the autopilot [to date], so I’m talking about the raw aircraft [control and feedback].”
A Bright Future for the H140
With its spacious cabin, advanced technology, and improved performance, the H140 is se t to redefine standards in the light twin-engine category. As Airbus moves closer to certification, the aviation world eagerly anticipates its impact across sectors like HEMS, offshore transport, and beyond.
