In early August, the second prototype of the new five-bladed H145 performed its maiden flight on the Airbus Helicopters runway in Donauwörth, . The helicopter will undergo new flight tests so that it can obtain the certificate from EASA, the European Aviation Safety Agency, in early 2020.
The first prototype of the model is carrying out a high-altitude flight campaign in South America. The second prototype will be used primarily for autopilot testing, performance and airframe structural validation.
The new H145, which was unveiled at this year's Heli-Expo in Atlanta, offers an additional 150kg of payload, in addition to raising the level of in-flight comfort, simplicity and connectivity.
The H145's new five-bladed rotor significantly increases the aircraft's overall performance, with a maximum takeoff weight of 3.800 kg and a payload equivalent to the aircraft's weight when empty.
The simplicity of the new main rotor design, without bearings, facilitates maintenance operations, further improving the quality of service and reliability of the H145, while improving in-flight comfort for both engers and crew. The reduced rotor diameter will allow the H145 to operate in even smaller areas.
The new H145 introduces new levels of onboard connectivity for customers and operators through the integration of the wireless Airborn Communication System (wACS), enabling the secure and rapid transmission of helicopter-generated data in real time, including during flights.
EASA certification for the new H145 is planned for early 2020, with the first deliveries planned for the same year. This upgrade will also be offered to existing H145 customers as an upgrade option to deliver the same improvements in payload, simplified maintenance and comfort as existing versions of the H145.
Powered by two Safran Arriel 2E engines, the H145 is equipped with Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) and the Helionix digital avionics suite. The aircraft also includes a 4-axis autopilot, enhancing safety and reducing pilot workload. Particularly low noise levels make the H145 the quietest helicopter in its class.
