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The future of flight

Sponsored Content | March 12, 2018

Estimated reading time 4 minutes, 56 seconds.

H160

Heli-Expo 2018 marks the first time anH160 prototype will be on the Airbus stand at an international airshow, letting show-goers get up close and personal with the innovations jam-packed into this stunning aircraft.

Even though many of the H160’s innovations are not physical, their results will be tangible to operators, as the H160 makes the most of Airbus’ digital transformation. It starts with state-of-the-art Helionix avionics and continues with an interactive electronic flight manual, the wireless transfer of aircraft data to ground segments, and 3D new-generation maintenance documentation.

With three prototypes now flying, the flight test campaign is well over halfway completed. The program’s current priorities are finalizing certification and maturity-oriented flight testing. The aircraft’s maximum takeoff weight has been set at 12,500 pounds (5,670 kilograms), which enables operators to perform missions with unparalleled flexibility. A compelling example is the ability to perform single-pilot instrument flight rules (IFR) missions and access hospital landing zones under Federal Aviation Administration regulations.

An extended gross weight of up to 13,337.97 pounds (6,050 kilograms) will be offered at entry into service so operators can also take full advantage of the aircraft’s capabilities in performance, cabin size, and reliability, without any power-by-hour penalty or major flight envelope impact.

Some lucky customers will be able to experience this first hand, as the prototype is set to stay in the United States for customer demo flights and flight testing at Airbus facilities near Dallas.

Light twins

H135

The twin-engine H135 is one of Airbus’ most successful light aircraft, with a reputation for high endurance, quiet performance, reliability, versatility, and affordability.

Equipped with Helionix avionics, the H135 is now in operation with the National Air Ambulance Services (NOLAS) of Norway, proving its mettle in an extremely demanding environment. All H135 helicopters at NOLAS are equipped for 24/7 operations with state-of-the-art equipment.

Airbus marked another important milestone this year with the delivery of the 1,300th H135 aircraft.

H145

Highly successful since its entry into service in 2014, the H145 continues to be the helicopter of choice for a variety of civil missions. Its compact size, large cabin and remarkable performance in high and hot conditions have been embraced by operators who demand the most from their aircraft.

In October 2017, Airbus delivered its 150th H145 aircraft to Helicopter Travel Munich.

The H145 is also expanding its presence in Latin America with aircraft acquisitions in Peru (by Ecocopter) and in Brazil (by CAF Taxi Aéréo) through Waypoint Leasing.

Airbus delivered the first H145 in Japan in December, and the worldwide fleet is expected reach 100,000 flight hours in the first quarter of 2018.

Customer support and services

Airbus continues to innovate to provide the best solutions for its customers. The company’s primary focus is on the digitization of existing services and finding new ways to bring technology to the forefront.

Examples of recent innovations include:

  • A decrease in the prices of many spare parts;
  • 10 percent increase in on-time parts delivery to customers;
  • Fleet Keeper, a transformation of the technical logbook to digital; and
  • FlyScan, a new analytics tool for health and usage monitoring systems (HUMS) data.

Airbus has also implemented a decrease in the prices of a large number of spare parts and has improved its on-time delivery of parts to customers.

Urban air mobility

Heli-Expo show-goers will also be able to see how Airbus is preparing for the future of vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) technology with CityAirbus.

CityAirbus is a multi-passenger, self-piloted, battery-powered VTOL aircraft designed to carry up to four passengers over congested megacities in a fast, affordable, and environmentally-friendly way.

The first flight of the CityAirbus prototype is expected by the end of 2018. Airbus is pushing electric technology in order to be able to offer busy passengers short inner-city flights.

For long-distance, intra-city traveling, Airbus is also developing its clean and cost-efficient solution to high-speed flight with the Rapid and Cost-Effective Rotorcraft (RACER) high-speed demonstrator.

No matter what form it takes, and at whatever speed, Airbus is ready for the future of flight.

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