The five-blade H145 prototype, unveiled by Airbus Helicopters at Heli-Expo in Atlanta, has just arrived in Chile, where the aircraft will begin its high-altitude flight campaign. EASA certification is scheduled for early 2020, with first deliveries also expected in the same year.
The new H145 is ready to face the Andes – at altitudes of up to 20 feet above sea level – after having already performed altitude tests in the French Pyrenees in the summer of 2018. The objective of the campaign is to expand the flight envelope of the new helicopter and demonstrate its high-altitude capabilities.
Due to its multi-mission capability and excellent performance in hot and high altitude conditions found in many Latin American countries, the H145 family is one of the region's favorite light twins.
The flight campaign will offer some operators the opportunity to fly the new version and experience first-hand the improvements introduced by the new five-bladed rotor: an increase of 150 kg of payload and new levels of comfort.
The simplicity of the unique new rotor design also facilitates maintenance operations, further improving the H145's ability and reliability, while improving comfort for both engers and crew. The reduced rotor diameter will allow the H145 to operate in smaller areas such as hospital helipads.
The new H145 introduces new levels of onboard connectivity for customers and operators through the integration of the wireless Airborne Communication System (wACS), enabling secure and uninterrupted transmission of helicopter-generated data in real time, even in-flight.
