Airbus unveils new H140 multi-mission helicopter
The company has acquired several launch customers for the H140, which will launch in 2028 in emergency medical services (EMS) configuration
Airbus has unveiled a new light twin-engine helicopter at this year’s Verticon industry show in Dallas, Texas.
The H140 multi-mission helicopter is due to enter service with operators from 2028 for the EMS segment. A prototype H140 is currently being tested at Airbus’s site in Donauwörth, Germany.
It features a five-bladed, bearingless rotor system similar to the H145 D3, powered by two Safran Arrius 2E 700shp engines with dual-channel full authority digital engine control (FADEC) systems.
The H140 will also feature a T-shaped tail boom with an optimized Fenestron tail rotor, as well as large clamshell doors at the rear capable of accommodating intensive care stretchers and transport incubators, alongside sliding doors at the sides.
High demand for the H140
Airbus has signed agreements for the supply of the new helicopter type with a number of operators.
This includes an agreement for up to 36 H140s for Metro Aviation, 15 for Global Medical Response, and three for STAT MedEvac.
Germany’s ADAC Luftrettung and Austria’s ÖAMTC Flugrettung also signed an agreement with Airbus to receive five H140s each, as part of an order that also included three H135s and one H145.
US air ambulance provider Air Methods also signed up to acquire the H140, as part of a contract to also acquire 10 H125s and 11 H135s.
All aircraft under the previously mentioned agreements will be delivered in EMS configuration.
Robinson Helicopter Company announced a new helicopter type of its own – the R88 – at this year’s Verticon.
Oliver Cuenca
Oliver Cuenca is a Junior Editor at AirMed&Rescue. He was previously a News and Features Journalist for the rail magazine IRJ until 2021, and studied MA Magazine Journalism at Cardiff University. His favourite helicopter is the AW169 – the workhorse of the UK air ambulance sector! He also led the creation of Waypoint: The AirMed&Rescue podcast, serving as its Production Editor and co-host.