First Flight for Second H140 Prototype

Airbus Helicopters, August 04, 2025 - The second H140 prototype has just completed its maiden flight at the Donauwörth, Germany site.

The H140 redefines the light twin-engine helicopter category. This 3-tonne class rotorcraft perfectly complements Airbus Helicopters' light twin offering for emergency medical services, passenger transport, and the private and business aviation market. It boasts a wide range of innovations, significantly raising the bar for performance, cost-effectiveness, and passenger/crew comfort.

Market response has been strong, with over 74 commitments, including firm orders, already secured for the H140, from major HEMS operators in the U.S. and Europe. A total of four prototypes are planned, with the first H140 delivery scheduled for 2028.

Airbus H140 helicopter

Helis - The H140 is a next-generation light twin rotorcraft, officially introduced in early 2025 with service entry expected in 2028. It offers enhanced cabin capacity, refined aerodynamics, and upgraded avionics for higher safety and operational efficiency. While EMS is the launch sector, Airbus is positioning it as a versatile multi-mission platform with global demand already strong.

It is a new light twin-engine 3‑tonne class helicopter unveiled at VERTICON in Dallas in March 2025. Aimed at bridging the gap between the H135 and H145 models, it's the first major new helicopter Airbus has launched in over a decade.

First prototype flight occurred in June 2023, with over 50 flight hours logged through late 2024 . Entry into service is projected for 2028, starting in emergency medical operations (EMS), with commercial and corporate variants to follow in 2029 and later.

Technical Details

- Maximum takeoff weight (MTOW): ~7,000 lb (3,175 kg), slightly higher than the H135’s ~6,570 lb
- Powered by two Safran Arrius 2E engines, each producing around 700 shp, offering about 6% more power than the H135’s engine
Five-blade bearingless main rotor (derived from H145) and a Fenestron shrouded tail rotor with a T-tail design to reduce noise and boost lift
- Cockpit features the Helionix avionics suite, including a four-axis autopilot and dual-channel FADEC for enhanced pilot ease and safety

Initially focused on EMS, but Airbus expects applications in VIP, offshore, police, and corporate transport roles. Airbus has already secured over 70 orders or options from operators including Metro Aviation, Global Medical Response, STAT MedEvac, and European air-rescue services like ADAC and DRF Luftrettung.