Airbus launches the H140, its new 3-tonne twin-engine helicopter
Airbus has unveiled the H140, its new 3-tonne twin-engine helicopter during VERTICON in Dallas, Texas. The aircraft, which will occupy the niche between the H135 and H145, is expected to enter service in 2028, initially in the emergency medical services segment.
According to the company, the H140 has a maximum takeoff weight of 7,000 lbs (3,175 kg), slightly higher than the H135. It is equipped with two Arrius 2E engines of 700 shp each and a five-blade rotor system adopted from the H145.
The larger cabin offers more space and can accommodate six passengers, in addition to offering a rear clamshell access door for medical services, among others.
The tail boom is equipped with a Fenestron shrouded rotor and a T-shaped stabilizer. A prototype of the H140 first flew in June 2023, Airbus revealed.
“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,” said Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters. “We worked hand in hand with our H135 customers to bring their additional requirements together in the H140’s efficient design.
The cockpit features the same Helionix avionics system used by other helicopters from the European company.
Airbus plans to introduce the H140 in additional segments each year, with passenger, VIP, offshore and police patrol versions to follow.
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