Airbus Helicopters H145 Overview

Airbus Helicopters H145

The Airbus Helicopters H145 is a twin-engine light rotorcraft offering from the European manufacturer. It packs a sizable punch in the four-ton class and excels in hot and high operating conditions. The H145 family of rotorcraft (BK117, EC145, and H145) has nearly 1,400 helicopters in service as of mid-2021, having clocked more than 5.5 million flight hours through its long career. In the flight deck, Airbus integrated its Helionix system augmented with a four-axis autopilot that makes the aircraft substantially easier to fly single-pilot.

Also of note, the H145 features a five-blade rotor setup, providing a smoother ride and more lift than legacy four-blade variants. 

Performance

The H145 has a strong performance envelope, with an emphasis on hot and high operation. The helicopter’s dual Safran Arriel 2E turbines deliver 1,788 shaft horsepower, which allowed the type to accomplish landing and takeoff from Aconcagua, an Argentinian peak with an altitude of 22,840 feet. Maximum range is 351 nautical miles, with a top speed of 137 knots.

Maximum takeoff weight with a full 1,594-pound fuel load is 8,157 pounds, while useful load is 4,200 pounds. The Argentinian landing aside, Airbus Helicopters limits the maximum altitude for takeoff and landing to 20,000 feet.

Dimensions

As a light rotorcraft, the H145 features impressive cabin accommodations and potential configurations. The aircraft requires only one pilot, though the maximum passenger accommodation of 10 remains the same if a second pilot is aboard. Internal volume (including cabin and cargo compartments) is 212.8 cubic feet.

Passenger layouts include an eight-seat configuration, a 10-seat high-density arrangement, and a variety of other specialized layouts for law enforcement and emergency medical service. 

For more detailed information on the Airbus Helicopters H145, read Business Jet Traveler’s feature article here.