H135

The H135 is a multi-role light twin-engine helicopter optimised for emergency medical services (EMS), law enforcement, military training, utility, offshore energy operations requiring human external cargo (HEC) capability, and corporate or VIP transport as the ACH135 variant. With more than 700 EMS helicopters in service worldwide, it is the global reference in this segment. It is also the fleet leader in the law enforcement segment. The helicopter’s compact footprint, low operating costs, Helionix avionics, and availability rates exceeding 95% support reliable operations across diverse and demanding mission profiles.

Worldwide, more than 50 percent of the roughly 3,000 aircraft are Airbus helicopters. The H135 is the most successful, followed by the H145.

The H135 accommodates one or two pilots and up to six passengers in standard transport configurations, with multiple cabin layouts available depending on mission requirements. Emergency medical service (EMS) configurations typically support two pilots, one stretcher patient, and two medical attendants, while law enforcement layouts carry two crew members and one systems operator with dedicated mission equipment space. 

The H135 offers a maximum range of up to 626 km (338 nautical miles) with standard fuel tanks and a maximum endurance of up to approximately 3 hours 34 minutes. This capability supports missions such as inter-hospital transfers, law enforcement patrols, and offshore energy operations without refuelling. With optional auxiliary fuel tanks and the Alternate Gross Weight (AGW) certification increasing maximum takeoff weight by 120 kg, operators can extend range by up to 75 nautical miles or endurance by approximately 40 minutes under standard conditions.

Helionix is Airbus’ integrated avionics suite designed to enhance safety and reduce pilot workload through advanced automation. It includes a 4-axis autopilot, flight envelope protection, synthetic vision system (SVS), and pilot assistance functions supporting single-pilot IFR operations. Helionix also improves fleet commonality with the H140, H145, H175, and H160, enabling cross-platform training efficiencies. 

Yes, the H135 is certified for single-pilot instrument flight rules (IFR) operations when equipped with the Helionix avionics suite. The system’s 4-axis autopilot, flight envelope protection, and synthetic vision reduce pilot workload and enhance situational awareness. 

The H135 is powered by two FADEC-equipped turbine engine options: the Safran Arrius 2B2 Plus or the Pratt & Whitney PW206B3. Both engines provide strong performance margins and vital power reserves during one-engine-inoperative scenarios. Dual-channel full authority digital engine control (FADEC) systems ensure automatic power management, reduced pilot workload, and optimised fuel consumption across the flight envelope.

With more than 700 EMS helicopters deployed worldwide, the H135 is the global fleet leader in emergency medical services. Aft clamshell doors enable efficient stretcher loading, while the spacious cabin allows direct patient access for critical interventions. Configurations comply with European EN13718 standards and typically support two pilots, one stretcher patient, and up to  three medical attendants. The compact design enables operations in confined areas, while availability rates exceeding 95% support dependable emergency response. The Fenestron and the high set main rotor and low external sound emission (quietest aircraft in production) make it ideal for HEMS operations.

The H135 consistently delivers availability rates exceeding 95%, supported by a simple, mature design and optimised maintenance programme. The fleet has accumulated more than 8 million flight hours, with over 1,600 aircraft delivered to more than 325 operators across more than 65 countries. Maintenance intervals include intermediate inspections at 500 flight hours and periodic inspections every 1,000 hours, supporting predictable operating costs and reliable mission availability.

Yes. The H135 can be fitted with a night vision goggle (NVG)-friendly cockpit, cabin layouts and exterior lighting.

The H135 is the right fit for operators who are looking for a combination of compact dimensions for confined-area access with twin-engine safety and the low operating costs. Helionix avionics enable single-pilot IFR operations while supporting cross-platform training commonality with larger Airbus helicopters. As the worldwide twin-engine fleet leader in law enforcement and with extensive EMS adoption, the H135 offers proven mission versatility, supported by more than 8 million flight hours accumulated across hundreds of operators worldwide.

The EC135 and H135 refer to the same helicopter family under different naming conventions following Airbus Helicopters’ 2014 rebranding from Eurocopter.