Charles Alcock is managing editor of the AIN Media Group, having rejoined the company in 2019. He has been an aviation journalist since 1986, and previously worked for AIN from 1990 to 2017, most recently as editor-in-chief. His main focus is on covering new aviation technology and business models, as well as international news.
Having been raised in the London area, Alcock studied at the University of Manchester in the UK and earned an honors degree in Politics and Modern History. He speaks English and French, and some German.

Managing Editor

Airbus Helicopters BK117, EC145, and H145 series

Charles Alcock

Airbus has a pair of its helicopters on display at the Singapore Airshow this week: a VIP-configured ACH130 single and a mockup of the multi-mission H145 twin.
The European manufacturer reported strong demand for the H145 in 2023 with 186 orders, including 62 of the H145M military version. Axel Humpert, senior vice president and program head, told reporters last week that it was the most in-demand rotorcraft in the world last year.
There are now 1,676 H145s in service with 341 operators across 66 countries, and the worldwide fleet has logged 7.6 million flight hours. The Asia-Pacific region is home to 15 percent of those aircraft.
Collectively, military and emergency medical service applications account for just over two-thirds of all the H145s in operation. Airbus Helicopters also has customers for the aircraft involved in commercial charter flights, energy industry support, public services, and private aviation.
Over the past year, Airbus has certified several new features on the H145, such as the Helionix avionics update—including ADS-B In with a Lynx transponder, an automated flight control system that can handle assisted Cat A takeoffs from helipads, automatic hold height capability, and vortex warnings.
To respond to additional requirements, the manufacturer is working on several other new offerings, including a police mission system, a new type of hoist, an RDR-7000 search and weather radar, ILS for Cat 2 approaches, an RNP-AR 0.1 navigation system, rotor strike avoidance systems, HTAWS for offshore operations, TCAS II, and a flyable boarding step.
Humpert reported that Airbus has conducted flights with the H145 in sea state 6 conditions in the North Sea. With military versions, it has demonstrated how paired drones can be controlled from the helicopter, either from the point of takeoff or by taking over control when already in flight.
<h2>Upgraded Autopilot Coming for the H130</h2>
The latest innovation for the H130 helicopter involves a three-axis autopilot under development by Garmin. The company expects certification in 2025, at which point the advanced autopilot will be available for retrofit under an STC and as an option for new aircraft. The system will protect pilots throughout all stages of flight and, like most modern helicopter autopilots, includes a recovery mode.
According to Jérôme Ronssin, head of Airbus’s light helicopter program, the company continues to evaluate the possibility of making the H130 capable of flying in IFR conditions, a feature already available for its H125 sibling.
Starting in 2026, Airbus aims to start production of its H130 and H125 models at a new assembly line in India as agreed upon under the government-backed Made in India program. It has yet to announce the exact location.&nbsp;
Ronssin reported that 2023 saw Airbus’s largest number of light helicopter deliveries in the past 10 years. New business has included orders for the ACH VIP/business configuration, including one deal with Italy-based Air Corporate for 43 aircraft.

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