The second prototype of the Airbus Helicopters H140 has successfully completed its maiden flight at the company’s Donauwörth facility in Germany, marking a key milestone in the light twin-engine helicopter’s development program. Positioned in the 3-tonne class, the H140 is designed to redefine the light twin category by delivering enhanced performance, cost-efficiency, and improved comfort for both passengers and crew. Intended to complement Airbus Helicopters’ existing light twin portfolio, the H140 targets a broad range of missions, including helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS), passenger transport, and private or business aviation. Market interest in the new rotorcraft has been strong. Airbus reports more than 74 commitments—comprising firm orders and options—from major HEMS operators in the United States and Europe. The development program includes four prototypes, with initial deliveries planned for 2028. First unveiled at VERTICON 2025 in Dallas, Texas, the H140 integrates advanced technologies drawn from Airbus Helicopters’ existing fleet.
The aircraft features a fenestron tail rotor, a five-blade bearingless main rotor, the Helionix avionics suite with a four-axis autopilot, dual-channel FADEC, and rear clamshell doors to facilitate rapid patient or cargo loading. One of the more distinctive design changes is the adoption of a T-tail boom, a configuration first demonstrated on the Airbus Bluecopter demonstrator. This design is claimed to provide an additional 80 kg of lift in forward flight compared to the H135, enhancing operational efficiency. Power is supplied by two Safran Arrius 2E turboshaft engines—variants of those used on the H135—delivering a combined output of 1,400 shp, approximately 6% more than the H135 T3. Cabin improvements include built-in medical lighting, an additional cubic meter of space over the H135, and reduced vibration and noise levels courtesy of the new rotor system. Airbus has also raised the tail boom slightly compared to the H135, improving access to the rear loading doors and increasing ground clearance for the fenestron, which enhances operational safety in confined landing zones.
The Airbus Helicopters H140 is designed for a single-pilot operation and can accommodate up to six passengers, making it highly versatile for roles ranging from helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) to executive transport. With a maximum takeoff weight of 3,175 kilograms (7,000 pounds), the aircraft delivers an optimal balance between payload capacity and operational efficiency in the light twin-engine class. Power is generated by two Safran Arrius 2E turboshaft engines—each rated at 520 kilowatts (700 shaft horsepower)—producing a combined output of 1,400 shp, which offers approximately six percent more power than the Airbus H135 T3. This increased power contributes to improved climb performance, higher cruise speeds, and better handling in hot-and-high conditions. The main rotor system features a five-blade bearingless design with a diameter of 10.8 meters (35 feet 5 inches) and a total rotor disc area of 91.6 square meters (986 square feet). Together with its fenestron tail rotor, T-tail configuration, and refined aerodynamics, these specifications position the H140 as a technologically advanced and operationally flexible platform in its class.
Airbus Helicopters SAS (formerly Eurocopter S.A., trading as Eurocopter Group) is the helicopter manufacturing division of Airbus. It is the largest in the industry in terms of revenues and turbine helicopter deliveries, holding 48% of the worldwide market share as of 2020. Its head office is located at Marseille Provence Airport in Marignane, France, near Marseille. The main facilities of Airbus Helicopters are at its headquarters in Marignane, France, and in Donauwörth, Germany, with additional production plants in Spain, Brazil, Canada, Australia, Romania, the United Kingdom and the United States. The company, originally named Eurocopter, was rebranded Airbus Helicopters on 2 January 2014. Airbus SE is a European aerospace corporation. The company’s primary business is the design and manufacturing of commercial aircraft but it also has separate defence and space and helicopter divisions. Airbus has long been the world’s leading helicopter manufacturer and, in 2019, also emerged as the world’s biggest manufacturer of airliners.
