Airbus’ single-engine H125M is the most capable armed scout helicopter in its two-metric-tonne class, tailored for locating and attacking targets of opportunity – with excellent capabilities in high and hot environments.

Powered by Turbomeca’s Arriel 2D engine with a dual-channel full authority digital engine control (FADEC) system, the H125M has a small visual silhouette, reduced radar signature and the agility to perform combat flight – including nap-of-the-Earth profiles.

Armament qualified for the helicopter includes a podded 12.7-mm machine gun, 20-mm cannon pod, 70-mm rockets and air-to-ground guided missiles. Side-mounted weaponry includes a 7.62-mm machine gun and installed sniper rifle. Growth potential is available for guided rockets and air-to-air missiles.

In the three-tonne category, Airbus’ H135M is the armed scout’s version of its H135 twin-engine helicopter, enhanced with improved high and hot performance, increased maximum takeoff weight, improved flight envelope and extended range. It can be armed with 12-tube and 7-tube rocket launchers, a 20-mm cannon pod and 12.7-mm machine gun pod, along with growth potential for laser-guided rockets and air-to-air missiles.

Airbus offers the H135M with a stand-alone weapon system (SAWS) that integrates a multipurpose mission computer; an electro-optical system with infrared/TV camera and laser rangefinder; a helmet-mounted sight display; and a ballistic targeting system, among other features.

The H135M has Airbus’ four-blade fibre-reinforced composite bearingless main rotor and signature Fenestron® shrouded tail rotor, which provide increased survivability against ground fire, while also reducing vibration and noise levels.

The H145M is the latest four-tonne-class twin-engine military helicopter in Airbus’ product range, providing a multitude of deployment possibilities with its power, range, endurance and payload capability.

With its open system architecture, the incremental weapon system can accommodate a wide choice of ballistic and guided weapon configurations – from 12- and 7-tube rocket launchers and air-to-ground missiles to a 20-mm cannon pod and 12.7-mm machine gun pod. Growth potential exists for laser-guided rockets.

Fitted with two Turbomeca Arriel 2E engines – each managed by a dual-channel full authority digital engine control (FADEC) – the H145M retains excellent performance throughout the flight envelope, particularly when operating at altitudes of 6,000 ft. and in 95 deg. F. environments – known as “6K/95 high and hot” conditions.

Airbus’ state-of-the-art glass cockpit and Helionix® avionics suite – coupled with a highly capable 4-axis digital autopilot system – ensure the H145M accomplishes the job, no matter how demanding the mission.