Airbus introduced a new multi-mission helicopter at a recent industry trade show in Dallas, and within days it reported 74 commitments for the H140 aircraft. Those were among the total 118 commitments and 63 firm orders logged by Airbus Helicopters for all of its models during the event.
H140 program chief Dirk Petry reported that the manufacturer was surprised by the high rate of interest in the new model, which will not be available for service until 2028. He told one industry outlet that the first two years of production for the H140 are sold out, and the third year of production is nearly booked too.
“We are in a good situation,” according to Petry. We have sold enough to launch production – that is why anything that comes on top is something that we will consider for our industrial ramp-up.”
The H140 is a light, twin-engine multi-mission helicopter developed for emergency medical services, passenger transport, and private and business aviation, and offering more payload and speed than the H135 model on which it is based. It also features a larger cabin, allowing EMS crews carrying more medical equipment for in-flight treatments, for example. The new aircraft also offers a more compact footprint than the preceding model.
The H140 will be assembled at Airbus Helicopters headquarters operation in Donauworth, Germany.
According to the manufacturer, the H140’s two, 700-hp engines (Safran Arrius 2E) will be managed by a dual-channel full-authority digital engine control system and significant reserve power.
“The H140 is designed by our customers, for our customers … addressing new market expectations, raising the bar and bringing more value, performance and comfort,” according to Airbus Helicopters CEO Bruno Even.
