Airbus Helicopters H135M / EC365
Summary
| Category | Helicopter |
| Origin country | 🇫🇷 France |
| First flight | 15 February 1994 |
| Year of introduction | 1996 |
| Number produced | 1400 units |
Description
The Airbus Helicopters H135M is a multi-purpose light helicopter developed by Airbus Helicopters as a military version of the Eurocopter EC135. It is a twin-engined aircraft and can carry up to 8 people, including the pilot, and a range of military equipment or armaments. The helicopter is marketed for troop transport, medical evacuation, cargo transport, reconnaissance and surveillance and armed combat support missions.
The EC635 is based on the Eurocopter EC135, improving upon the design for military operations and making the helicopter capable of carrying weapons systems. The helicopter is fitted with a choice of powerplants, depending on customer requirements, and can be powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW206B2 (EC635 P2+), or two Turbomeca Arrius 2B2 (EC635 T2+). The powerplant is mounted over the baggage compartment and features a Full Authority Digital Engine Control system. The engines power a fibre-reinforced composite Bearingless Main Rotor (BMR) with four blades, and the familiar Fenestron enclosed tail rotor, both of which reduce vibration and noise levels.
The H135 has been in service since 1996, with over 1,400 twin-engine H135s delivered to more than 65 countries. It has flown over 6.6 million hours. The helicopter has undergone several upgrades since its inception, including the addition of Airbus' signature Fenestron® shrouded tail rotor, engine software modifications, and a new lateral air intake. These improvements have resulted in additional payload capacity and best-in-class performance throughout its flight envelope.
The H135 comes with the lowest operating and maintenance costs within the twin-engine category. It also can perform varied missions, and can land almost anywhere, particularly in high and hot conditions, while carrying more payload over longer distances than other helicopters in its category. The H135 is known for its endurance, compact build, low sound levels, reliability, versatility, and cost-competitiveness. As one of the quietest twin-engine helicopters, the H135’s sound footprint is markedly lower than that of other rotorcraft in the same category. This matters most to customers who regularly operate in, or over, cities and in densely populated areas – such as corporate transport, emergency medical services and law enforcement.
Technical specifications
| Version: EC135 T1 | |
|---|---|
| Height | 3.5 m (11.5 ft) |
| Length | 12.2 m (39.9 ft) |
| Service ceiling | 6096 m (20000 ft) |
| Empty weight | 1490 kg (3285 lbs) |
| Max. takeoff weight | 2900 kg (6393 lbs) |
| Climb rate | 8.1 m/s (26.6 ft/s) |
| Powerplant | 2 × turbines Turbomeca Arrius 2B1 delivering 519 kW |
