Away from the heat at Avalon, way over in Atlanta USA the Heli-Expo 2019 is up and running and Airbus Helicopters has chosen the event to unveil its new version of their light twin-engine helo, the H145. This latest upgrade brings a new, enhances the multi-mission H145 with a new five-bladed rotor, increasing the useful load of the helicopter by 150 kg.
The H145’s new five-bladed rotor marks a significant increase in overall performance, with a maximum take-off weight raised to 3,800 kg and a useful load now equivalent to the aircraft’s empty weight. 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. The reduced rotor diameter will allow the H145 to operate in more confined areas.
H145 / FLIGHT IN THE PYRÉNÉES (FRANCE)
The new H145 also introduces better levels of on-board connectivity to customers and operators through the integration of the wireless Airborne Communication System (wACS), allowing seamless and secure transmission of data generated by the helicopter in real-time, including in-flight.
EASA certification of the new H145 is planned for early 2020, with first deliveries to follow later that year. This upgrade will also be offered to current H145 customers as a retrofit option.
Powered by two Safran Arriel 2E engines, the H145 is equipped with full authority digital engine control (FADEC) and the Helionix digital avionics suite. It includes a high performance 4-axis autopilot, increasing safety and reducing pilot workload. Its particularly low acoustic footprint makes the H145 the quietest helicopter in its class.
