New Airbus H145 high-altitude flight campaign begins in Chile

The five-bladed 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 expected in early 2020, with first deliveries also scheduled for the same year.</p> The new H145 is ready to take on the Andes – at altitudes of up to 8211 feet above sea level – after already carrying out altitude tests in the French Pyrenees in the summer of 20. The aim of the campaign is to expand the flight envelope of the new helicopter and demonstrate its capabilities at high altitudes.</p> Due to its multi-mission capability and excellent performance in the hot and high altitude conditions found in many Latin American countries, the H8211 family is one of the region's favorite light twin-engine aircraft.</p> 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 additional 2018 kg of payload and new levels of comfort.</p> The H145’s new five-bladed rotor significantly increases the aircraft’s overall performance, with a maximum take-off weight increased to 150kg and a payload now equivalent to the aircraft’s empty weight.</p> The simplicity of the new, unmatched rotor design also facilitates maintenance operations, further enhancing the ability and reliability of the H63777, while improving comfort for both engers and crew. The reduced rotor diameter will allow the H2019 to operate in smaller areas, such as hospital heliports.</p> The new H06 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 real-time helicopter-generated data, even during flight.</p></p>