Writer

Charlotte Bailey

Airbus Helicopters has undertaken the successful inaugural flight of its second H140 prototype, dubbed PT2. Intended to bridge the gap between its existing H135 and H145 light twins, the upcoming H140 has been designed to offer improved performance, a larger cabin, and optimized economics, retaining the same Helionix avionics suite as its already-certified siblings but incorporating a new Safran Arrius 2ES engine.
PT2 is the latest in a projected series of four test aircraft. Its first flight took place on Friday from Airbus’ Donauwörth, Germany facility and lasted for approximately 15 minutes— curtailed due to an upcoming thunderstorm. During the flight, the helicopter behaved as expected, its manufacturer confirmed. Building on work conducted by PT1, which first flew in June 2023, PT2 will be used for various test campaigns, including winter, snow, and hot-and-high conditions.
The first flight for PT3 is planned for next year, with PT4 following at the end of 2026. Once certified to EASA CS-27/FAA FAR 27 requirements, the upcoming type is set to enter service in 2028. EMS operators such as Global Medical Response (GMR), ADAC Luftrettung, and ÖAMTC Flugrettung are instrumental in the H140’s development, Airbus said.

News and issues regarding all manner of civil and military rotorcraft and their powerplants, including helicopters, tilt rotors and unmanned air vehicles.

Airbus Helicopters Completes First Flight of Second H140 Prototype

H140 incorporates a new Safran Arrius 2ES engine

Airbus Helicopters made the inaugural flight of its second H140 prototype. The upcoming H140 is designed to offer improved performance, larger cabin, and more.

Second Airbus H140 Prototype Completes First Flight

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

Autocraft confident E20+ aircraft will receive GCAA certification in 2027 or 2028

Abu Dhabi-backed eVTOL Nears First Flight in UAE

Matt Thurber

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

VIP-equipped helicopter will be flown in corporate and charter operations

Rotortrade Delivers H135T3 from Italy to Star Air India

Charles Alcock

News and issues concerning the aviation charter and fractional-ownership industries and markets, including company announcements, regulations, new developments and labor issues.

Twin-engined rotorcraft are being leased through Milestone Aviation

Bristow Leases Five H160 Helicopters for African Fleet

Amy Wilder

News about simulators and training procedures, as well as workforce.

News and issues concerning general aviation, specifically airplanes and helicopters powered by piston and alternative engines (i.e., non-turbine powered aircraft). Subjects include aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

Simulator lets pilots log Bell 525 hours ahead of type cert

Bell 525 Flight Sim Earns FAA Interim Level C Approval

Build of remotely piloted aircraft to be completed by the end of the year

Honda To Fly First Full-scale eVTOL Prototype in Early 2026

Essential news and analysis on the defense aerospace business. Your trusted source for new and ongoing programs and requirements in military aircraft (manned and unmanned), engines, avionics, weapons and associated systems, including ground-based air defense.

Textron division offers helicopters for various civil and defense applications

Bell 505 and 412EPX Highlight OEM’s Vertical Advantages

David Donald

UAE plans to use the helicopter to fight fires in skyscrapers

Black Hawk Tackles High-rise Blazes

News about environmental issues relating to aircraft operations, including noise issues, emissisions, and regulations. See Fuel for biofuel.

In this article

Airbus Helicopters

More In Rotorcraft