A simpler, more robust five-bladed main rotor will give the Airbus H145 increased useful load, improved ride comfort and reduced maintenance considerations. Debuting at Heli-Expo in Atlanta this week, the H145 gains a main rotor blade that in turn allows for a smaller rotor diameter while also providing a 331-pound increase in useful load, according to Airbus Helicopters. With the new bearing-less main rotor, the H145 now has a useful load equal to its empty weight.
“We’re extremely happy to be able to showcase the new H145 to our customers here in Atlanta as this upgrade owes a lot to the feedback they have provided us over the years about the aircraft,” said Bruno Even, Airbus Helicopters CEO.
EASA certification is planned for early 2020, according to Airbus, with deliveries later that year. Airbus will also be offering the new main-rotor as an upgrade to existing H145s.
The new H145 gains Airbus’ Airborne Communication System (wACS), which allows “seamless and secure transmission of data generated by the helicopter in real-time, including in-flight.” wACS is a wireless air-to-ground network using Wi-Fi and Satcom to capture and report operational data to reduce maintenance costs and downtime.
