- News
- Feb 19, 2024
- 5 min read
Airbus Showcases Two VIP-Configuration Helicopters at Singapore Airshow
The VIP-configured single-seat ACH130 and a mock-up of the multipurpose two-seat H145 attracted attention at the Singapore Airshow.
This week at the Singapore Airshow, Airbus showcased two of its helicopters: a single-seat ACH130 in VIP configuration and a mock-up of the multipurpose two-seat H145. The European manufacturer reported strong demand for the H145 in 2023, with 186 orders received, including 62 orders for the military H145M version. Axel Humpert, senior vice president and head of the program, told reporters last week that it was the world’s most in-demand helicopter in 2023.
There are currently 1,676 H145 aircraft in service with 341 operators in 66 countries, with a combined worldwide flight time of 7.6 million hours. The Asia-Pacific region accounts for 15% of these aircraft. Together, military and emergency medical services account for just over two-thirds of all H145s in service. Airbus Helicopters also has customers for aircraft conducting commercial charter flights, energy-industry support, government services, and private aviation.
Over the past year, Airbus has certified several new H145 features—it updated the Helionix avionics, including ADS-B In with a Lynx transponder, an automated flight control system that can handle Cat A takeoffs from helipads, and automatic altitude hold.
To meet additional requirements, the manufacturer is working on several new offerings, including a police mission system, a new type of hoist, the RDR-7000 search and weather radar, ILS for Category 2 approaches, an RNP-AR 0.1 navigation system, a main rotor strike prevention system, HTAWS for offshore operations, TCAS II, and a flying landing step.
Humpert said Airbus had flown the H145 in sea state 6 conditions in the North Sea. Using military versions, he demonstrated how paired drones can be controlled from the helicopter, either from the point of takeoff or by taking control once they are already in flight.
The latest innovation for the H130 helicopter is a three-axis autopilot being developed by Garmin. The company expects certification in 2025, after which the enhanced autopilot will be available as an STC retrofit and as an option for new aircraft. The system will protect pilots during all phases of flight and, like most modern helicopter autopilots, includes a recovery mode.
According to Jérôme Ronssin, head of Airbus’s light helicopter program, the company continues to evaluate the possibility of making the H130 capable of flying under IFR conditions—a feature already available for its H125 sibling.
Starting in 2026, Airbus plans to begin producing its H130 and H125 models on a new assembly line in India, as agreed under the government-backed Make in India program. The exact location has not yet been announced.
Ronssin said Airbus delivered its largest number of light helicopters in 10 years in 2023. New business included orders for the VIP/business ACH configuration, including one deal with Italian company Air Corporate for 43 aircraft.
This week at the Singapore Airshow, Airbus showcased two of its helicopters: a single-seat ACH130 in VIP configuration and a mock-up of the multipurpose two-seat H145. The European manufacturer reported strong demand for the H145 in 2023, with 186 orders received, including 62 orders for the military H145M version. Axel Humpert, senior vice president and head of the program, told reporters last week that it was the world’s most in-demand helicopter in 2023.
There are currently 1,676 H145 aircraft in service with 341 operators in 66 countries, with a combined worldwide flight time of 7.6 million hours. The Asia-Pacific region accounts for 15% of these aircraft. Together, military and emergency medical services account for just over two-thirds of all H145s in service. Airbus Helicopters also has customers for aircraft conducting commercial charter flights, energy-industry support, government services, and private aviation.
Over the past year, Airbus has certified several new H145 features—it updated the Helionix avionics, including ADS-B In with a Lynx transponder, an automated flight control system that can handle Cat A takeoffs from helipads, and automatic altitude hold.
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To meet additional requirements, the manufacturer is working on several new offerings, including a police mission system, a new type of hoist, the RDR-7000 search and weather radar, ILS for Category 2 approaches, an RNP-AR 0.1 navigation system, a main rotor strike prevention system, HTAWS for offshore operations, TCAS II, and a flying landing step.
Humpert said Airbus had flown the H145 in sea state 6 conditions in the North Sea. Using military versions, he demonstrated how paired drones can be controlled from the helicopter, either from the point of takeoff or by taking control once they are already in flight.
The latest innovation for the H130 helicopter is a three-axis autopilot being developed by Garmin. The company expects certification in 2025, after which the enhanced autopilot will be available as an STC retrofit and as an option for new aircraft. The system will protect pilots during all phases of flight and, like most modern helicopter autopilots, includes a recovery mode.
According to Jérôme Ronssin, head of Airbus’s light helicopter program, the company continues to evaluate the possibility of making the H130 capable of flying under IFR conditions—a feature already available for its H125 sibling.
Starting in 2026, Airbus plans to begin producing its H130 and H125 models on a new assembly line in India, as agreed under the government-backed Make in India program. The exact location has not yet been announced.
Ronssin said Airbus delivered its largest number of light helicopters in 10 years in 2023. New business included orders for the VIP/business ACH configuration, including one deal with Italian company Air Corporate for 43 aircraft.
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