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The H215M performa a humanitarian mission in Ecuador.

Utility

Peacekeeping, humanitarian aid, firefighting, transport

Military utility missions such as peacekeeping and humanitarian duties, firefighting and personnel transport require durability, efficiency and cost-effectiveness – key attributes of Airbus’ complete product range.

Airbus listens to the requirements of military services, governments and non-governmental agencies around the world to ensure they get the most out of their aircraft.

Aircraft

Light helicopters

The two metric tonne-category H125M has a high degree of manoeuvrability, a robust design and is well-suited for high altitudes and hot climates. Regularly used for external lifting operations with a sling that usually is reserved for larger aircraft, this helicopter is a very effective and cost-efficient choice for firefighting and aerial work missions.

Also in Airbus’ lightweight product line is the larger twin-engine H135M, combining a compact external footprint with a large flat-floor cabin capable of being fitted in various configurations. The H135M is able to lift a load mass equivalent to its mission-equipped empty weight. Its avionics and autopilot provide pilot assistance with precise and stable navigation aid contributing to safety by lowering pilot workload and fatigue.

The H135M is well-suited for light utility applications that include the transport of authorities and dignitaries, while the communications equipment allows an onboard operator to interface with airborne and ground units, as well as unmanned aerial vehicles, or in the context of training missions.

The twin-engine H145M has become a benchmark for utility helicopters, designed from the start to meet this segment’s operational needs. Its characteristics include an unobstructed flat floor cabin, large sliding cabin doors, rear clamshell doors, high-mounted tail rotor and exceptional cockpit visibility. The cabin can be configured with up to 10 troop seats. It is noted for its good one-engine inoperative performance.

Like the H135, the H145 is also able to lift its own mission-equipped empty weight, and the aircraft is offered with a range of swing, sling and hoist options. One of the largest single users of this helicopter is the US Army, which has adopted it as the service’s light utility helicopter – with more than 440 delivered in the UH-72A version.

Medium helicopters

An in-flight Airbus AS565 MBe helicopter delivered to the U.S. Coast Guard trails a speeding Coast Guard vessel.

The Coast Guard service can call on more than 87,000 members, of whom 40,000 are on active duty.

Helicopters of the Dauphin family, like the AS565 MBe, are easily recognisable for their streamlined airframe and signature Fenestron® shrouded tail rotor. By delivering excellent performance and range, these rotorcraft are widely used around the world for demanding naval utility operations. They offer features adapted to naval needs (radar, folding blades, deck securing features, etc.), fast cruise speeds and all-weather capabilities, ensuring safe and smooth operations.

Heavy helicopters

An Airbus H225 helicopter flies over varied terrain.

Aircraft in the Super Puma twin-engine family are the powerhouses of Airbus’ product range. They have forged a well-earned reputation as true workhorses, with a large useful cabin volume plus the capacity to handle both a high payload and external load.

In the 11-metric-tonne-category, the H225/H225M offers the highest useful load (over 5.4/5.2 tonnes) and sling load (4.75 tonnes), an unmatched combination of extra-long range and endurance, rapid cruise speed with low vibration, and a comprehensive choice of firefighting solutions (Bambi bucket, water tank or water cannon).

Airbus’ H215M is also a member of the Super Puma family, and is perfectly suited for utility missions. It offers versatility across a full range of applications that include peacekeeping and humanitarian duties, especially in high and hot environments, as well as missions requiring a small footprint while delivering significant lift capability – such as the vertical replenishment of ships.

Offered with a standardised equipment definition for more rapid production times and cost-effective acquisition prices, the H215M's basic definition incorporates the proven 4-axis autopilot and associated automatic flight control system from the H225M. This ensures flight envelope protection, unrivalled precision and stability, in even the harshest operating conditions.