Airbus Helicopters

Editors at Verticon run the rule over new programs launched by Airbus and Robinson and discuss other highlights from the event, formerly known as Heli-Expo.

The U.S. engine maker first disclosed the study last July.

Airbus has secured firm orders for 35 of its new H140 twin-engine light helicopter following the aircraft’s debut at the Verticon rotorcraft industry gathering.

Airbus expects that a growth variant of its H135 will appeal to commercial and parapublic operators.

Leaders in the sector say business is on an upward trajectory after years of stagnation.

Helicopter manufacturers are beginning to turn their attention to modernizing their bestsellers.

Studies are helping allies understand the technologies and trade-offs they face with new rotorcraft architectures.

Engineers are already designing the system and hope to reach a preliminary design review by midyear.

Bruno Even says the company’s air vehicle design had been “the right compromise between cruise and lift.”

Renewed demand and new technology are prompting manufacturers to turn their attention to the lighter end of the rotorcraft market.

The UK-based helicopter businesses of Airbus and Leonardo are set for leadership changes.

Our roundup of the main aerospace and defense stories making the news this week.

The slow progression of battery technology has prompted Airbus to halt its eVTOL project.

Even said a strategic review of the program concluded that battery technology had not yet evolved to meet the minimum level of performance.

France has begun taking delivery of Airbus H225M Caracal helicopters ordered as part of a stimulus package to support the country’s aerospace industry.

Major events in aerospace and defense during 2024.

Our roundup of the main aerospace and defense stories making the news this week.

The Netherlands has signed a contract for 12 Airbus H225M Caracal helicopters to support Dutch special operations forces.

New submissions to the Dutch Parliament from the Netherlands Defense Ministry have confirmed that 12 will now be acquired.

Airbus wants to extend battlefield connectivity of the Future Combat Air System to its helicopters.

The airframer aims to prove the Racer’s eco mode, higher speeds and lower fuel burn during 2025.

The Racer is currently in maintenance after its first 8 hr. of flight testing, during which it achieved speeds of 227 kt. in June after just seven flights.

Airbus Helicopters UK has formally opened its new headquarters at London Oxford Airport, making what Chairman John Harrison calls a £55 million ($73 million) "investment not only in our infrastructure, but also in a better future."

Airbus Helicopters CEO Bruno Even has suggested the RAF's Puma helicopter fleet could fly into the mid-2030s, potentially negating the need for a replacement medium rotorcraft.

Airbus Helicopters CEO Bruno Even contends that helicopters and uncrewed aircraft systems are natural battlefield teammates.