H125

The H125 is part of the proven Ecureuil family. In 2005, it broke the world record for the highest altitude landing and takeoff (on Mount Everest at 8,848 metres). It is specifically designed for high-altitude, high-heat environments where other single-engine helicopters reach their limits.

The H125 is the current designation for the AS350 B3e Écureuil (called AStar in North America). When Eurocopter rebranded as Airbus Helicopters in 2014, the AS350 B3e was redesignated as H125 in 2016. 

The H125 accommodates up to seven occupants: one pilot plus six passengers, or two pilots plus four passengers. Standard configurations include one pilot with five passengers for commercial transport, one pilot with four passengers for VIP operations, and one pilot with six passengers for tourism.

The H125 excels in five primary categories: aerial work (air crane, firefighting, powerline inspection), law enforcement (surveillance, pursuit, search-and-rescue), emergency medical services (one pilot, one patient, two attendants), passenger transport and tourism (340 nautical mile range). Its versatility stems from several hundred certified STCs enabling rapid mission reconfiguration.

The H125 holds the world altitude record for helicopters at 29,029 feet, set on Mount Everest in May 2005, a record that remains unbroken. Its certified hover ceiling out-of-ground effect (HOGE) at maximum takeoff weight is 12,600 feet, with operational capability up to 23,000 feet. This performance is enabled by the Safran Arriel 2D engine with dual-channel FADEC.

The H125 lifts up to 1,400 kg (3,086 lbs) as an external sling load, making it highly effective for air crane operations, firefighting, and powerline work. At 7,000 feet ISA, operators gain approximately 140 kg (309 lbs) more payload capacity than previous variants. Combined with its 12,600-foot hover ceiling OGE, this enables productive external load operations where most single-engine helicopters cannot operate.

The H125 has a maximum cruise speed of 136 knots (252 km/h) and a range of 340 nautical miles (630 km) at maximum takeoff weight with standard fuel. Endurance reaches approximately 4 hours 27 minutes. With the optional dual hydraulic system, internal MTOW increases to 2,370 kg, enabling maximum range with all seats occupied

The H125 is powered by a single Safran Arriel 2D turboshaft engine delivering 952 shaft horsepower (shp) at takeoff, equipped with dual-channel Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) plus an independent backup channel. This powerplant enables operational capability at altitudes up to 23,000 feet and has contributed to the H125/AS350 fleet accumulating over 34 million flight hours worldwide.