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Charlotte Bailey

Airbus Helicopters has undertaken the successful inaugural flight of its second H140 prototype, dubbed PT2. Intended to bridge the gap between its existing H135 and H145 light twins, the upcoming H140 has been designed to offer improved performance, a larger cabin, and optimized economics, retaining the same Helionix avionics suite as its already-certified siblings but incorporating a new Safran Arrius 2ES engine.
PT2 is the latest in a projected series of four test aircraft. Its first flight took place on Friday from Airbus’ Donauwörth, Germany facility and lasted for approximately 15 minutes— curtailed due to an upcoming thunderstorm. During the flight, the helicopter behaved as expected, its manufacturer confirmed. Building on work conducted by PT1, which first flew in June 2023, PT2 will be used for various test campaigns, including winter, snow, and hot-and-high conditions.
The first flight for PT3 is planned for next year, with PT4 following at the end of 2026. Once certified to EASA CS-27/FAA FAR 27 requirements, the upcoming type is set to enter service in 2028. EMS operators such as Global Medical Response (GMR), ADAC Luftrettung, and ÖAMTC Flugrettung are instrumental in the H140’s development, Airbus said.

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Airbus Helicopters Completes First Flight of Second H140 Prototype

H140 incorporates a new Safran Arrius 2ES engine

Airbus Helicopters made the inaugural flight of its second H140 prototype. The upcoming H140 is designed to offer improved performance, larger cabin, and more.

Second Airbus H140 Prototype Completes First Flight

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In this article

Airbus Helicopters

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China’s Skyco Leasing Group Orders More H175 Helicopters

Six of the twin-engined rotorcraft will be operated by China Southern Airlines General Aviation

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Commercial helicopter deliveries hold steady at 32 units; military program drives strong financial performance

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French armed forces are set to receive 169 H160M Guépard rotorcraft, starting in 2028

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Partnership was announced during EAA AirVenture show in Oshkosh

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