New cockpit floor window unveiled for H125/AS350 B3

Swiss Helicopter Engineering has unveiled its new Cockpit Floor Window modification for the Airbus H125/AS350 B3, now available for order following European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certification.

The upgrade was fully designed, developed and produced in-house by the Swiss company in collaboration with operators and pilots. It introduces an enlarged cutout on the right-hand side of the pilot’s seat and a transparent window in the lower cowling to improve downward and lateral visibility – particularly valuable for sling-load, firefighting, and rescue missions where visual reference is critical.

A key design change reduces the right-hand floor edge thickness to 20mm, minimizing the blind spot beneath the helicopter while maintaining full structural integrity and step-on capability. The modification relies mainly on sheet metal design, limiting the number of milled parts to simplify installation and improve compatibility across the H125/AS350 B3 fleet.

According to Swiss Helicopter Engineering, the window enhances situational awareness and precision during external-load and confined-area operations without altering the helicopter’s external profile. It can be installed by any EASA Part 145 organization, with compatibility for common seat-rail configurations such as SICMA 159 and 198.

The company expects the modification to reduce pilot workload and improve operational safety in demanding missions. While primarily aimed at utility and aerial work operators, the system also benefits air medical and rescue crews, offering better ground-reference visibility during hoist or rooftop landings.

Swiss Helicopter Engineering reports that Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) validation is in progress having begun in Q3 2025.

Microflite recently ordered an Airbus H125 to expand services in Australia.