Airbus Helicopters' five-bladed H145 has been certified by EASA, clearing the way for customer deliveries towards the end of summer 2020. The certification covers the full range of capabilities, including single-pilot and instrument flight rules (IFR) and single engine operations (Cat.A/VTOL), along with night vision goggles capability.

“Our new five-bladed H145 is an excellent example of our quest for continuous improvement and providing incremental innovation that responds to our customers' requirements,” says Bruno Even, Airbus Helicopters CEO. “This helicopter combines value-added features with the robustness and the reliability of a tried-and-tested bestseller, making it very competitive in the light twin-engine market.”

This latest version of Airbus' best-selling helicopter was unveiled at Heli-Expo 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia, with launch customers announced for almost every market segment. Prior to the successful high-altitude test campaign in South America, where the aircraft set its skids down on the Aconcagua, the highest mountain in the southern hemisphere, the H145 performed several test campaigns including in Spain, at medium altitudes, and Finland, for cold weather.

The five-blade rotor increases the useful load of the helicopter by 150 kg (330 lb). The bearingless main rotor design will also ease maintenance operations, improving the serviceability and reliability of the aircraft while improving ride comfort for passengers and crew. Certification by the FAA is set to follow later this year.

Powered by two Safran Arriel 2E engines, the H145 is equipped with full FADEC and the Helionix digital avionics suite. It includes a high performance four-axis autopilot, increasing safety and reducing pilot workload. A low acoustic footprint makes it one of the quietest helicopters in its class.