Eurocopter EC130
| Company type | Subsidiary |
|---|---|
| Industry | Aerospace |
| Predecessor | Eurocopter |
| Founded | 1992 |
| Headquarters | Marignane , France |
| Products | Helicopters |
| Parent | Airbus Group |
The Airbus Helicopters H130 (previously known as the Eurocopter EC130) is a lightweight, single-engine utility helicopter derived from the earlier Eurocopter AS350 Écureuil model. A significant innovation was the integration of a Fenestron anti-torque system, replacing the traditional tail rotor. Initially introduced and manufactured by Eurocopter, the company later rebranded as Airbus Helicopters.
Development
During the 1980s, the French aerospace firm Aerospatiale advanced the AS350 Écureuil series. On 6 February 1987, an AS350 Z prototype conducted its maiden flight featuring a Fenestron tail rotor instead of the standard design. This program incorporated updates such as a redesigned air intake borrowed from the Eurocopter EC120, aiding in Fenestron system refinement.
Following Aerospatiale’s merger into Eurocopter in the early 1990s, development progressed under the new entity. The inaugural EC130 prototype took to the skies on 24 June 1999 in France with pilot Steven Page at the controls. Compared to the AS350, this model introduced a dual-hydraulic system, an enclosed Fenestron tail rotor, and an expanded fuselage to enlarge cabin capacity.
Collaborating closely with tour operators like launch client Blue Hawaiian Helicopters, the EC130 was designed to accommodate up to seven passengers in a roomy cabin with outstanding external visibility. It entered operational service in 2001, primarily targeting commercial passenger transport such as sightseeing flights over destinations like Hawaii and the Grand Canyon. Meanwhile, the AS350 remained dedicated to utility applications.
Vertical Magazine recognized the EC130 as "one of the most highly successful single engine helicopters in air medical service."
In February 2012, Eurocopter introduced the EC130 T2 variant equipped with an upgraded Turbomeca Arriel 2D engine. Over 70% of its structure was redesigned to boost performance and passenger comfort—featuring active vibration control and enhanced air conditioning—while also achieving a 14% reduction in fuel consumption. By that time, orders for 105 EC130 T2 units had been secured from operators including Maverick Helicopters, Papillon, and Blue Hawaiian.
The EC130 T2 began service operations in 2012. Airbus reported manufacturing 50 units during 2013 and planned to raise production to 65 annually by 2014. The Brazilian subsidiary Helibras completed its first EC130 T2 assembly in August 2013, followed by Australian assembly commencing in December.
In 2021, Airbus conducted trials of a hybrid electric assist system on an H130 aimed at extending autorotation reaction time by up to 30 seconds following engine failure.
Design
The EC130 is powered by a single engine and features a three-bladed Starflex main rotor coupled with an enclosed Fenestron tail fan that replaces the conventional tail rotor found on the AS350. The Fenestron’s blades are spaced unevenly to cut noise emissions by half, achieving an FAA Appendix H fly-over noise level of 84.3 EPNdB—8.5 dB quieter than stage two regulatory limits. Its propulsion comes from a Turbomeca Arriel 2D turboshaft engine delivering enhanced power reserves and extended range capabilities, particularly under hot and high-altitude conditions. The EC130 T2’s improved Arriel engine incorporates FADEC controls alongside a dual hydraulic system adapted from the Eurocopter AS355.
Equipped with advanced avionics and safety systems, the EC130 includes flight data recorders, crash-resistant seats, and redundant flight controls; additional safety features are integrated into the T2 variant. Vertical Magazine characterized its cockpit instrumentation as "straightforward" with responsive and precise handling. Pilot assistance technologies such as the Vehicle and Engine Multifunction Display (VEMD) help reduce workload while enhancing operational safety and ease of use. Typically configured for single-pilot operation with optional dual controls, tactical instrumentation can be installed based on operator requirements. Integrated visual flight rules (VFR) equipment combined with GPS navigation supports both day and night flights.
The EC130 offers the largest cabin within its category, providing 54% more unobstructed interior volume and 143% greater baggage capacity compared to competitors like the Bell 407. It supports three main seating arrangements: a standard layout with one pilot plus six passengers; a version featuring two central seats facing rearward; and a high-density configuration with three front seats aligned alongside the pilot. Notably, it was the first rotorcraft to present an executive Stylence interior option. The EC130 T2 incorporates active anti-vibration technology adapted from the Eurocopter EC225 Super Puma, utilizing accelerometers and linear actuators to significantly improve passenger comfort. Its cabin can be swiftly reconfigured between passenger transport and cargo missions.
For emergency medical services (EMS), interior customization allows installation of medical equipment mounts, air compressors, liquid oxygen tanks, and United Rotorcraft’s Lowered Patient Loading System (LPLS). The spacious cabin accommodates up to two stretchers alongside two attendants plus storage space; wide side doors facilitate easy access while the enclosed Fenestron tail enhances safety—features that have contributed to its popularity among air medical operators. Law enforcement configurations may include optional electro-optical systems, forward-looking infrared (FLIR) cameras, and searchlights. Cargo roles commonly utilize external mirrors and cargo sling attachments.
Operational history
During 2007, the highest demand for the EC130 and comparable single-engine helicopters originated primarily from markets in Latin America and North America. By May 2008, the EC130 had overtaken the Bell 206 as the leading single-engine helicopter in sales. Flight International recognized the EC130 in 2012 as one of Eurocopter’s most successful models, noting 238 orders placed in 2011—a growth of 40% compared to the previous year.
That same year, the EC130 participated in an extensive flight test program aimed at evaluating new noise reduction techniques across standard flight stages such as takeoff, approach, and cruise.
By February 2008, Maverick Helicopters was operating the world’s largest EC130 fleet with 28 aircraft, accumulating a total of 60,000 flight hours. By March 2015, Maverick’s fleet had amassed 300,000 flight hours and acted as the launch customer for the enhanced EC130 T2 model. Airbus Helicopters reported in 2015 that there were 279 operators globally, with the EC130 fleet collectively logging more than 1,177,000 flight hours.
In February 2016, Jababeka, an Indonesian industrial estate developer, signed a memorandum of understanding to acquire up to twelve H130 helicopters intended for intercity shuttle services between Jakarta and Cikarang.
Variants
- EC130 B4
- The original production variant.
- EC130 T2
- An improved version of the EC130 B4 featuring upgraded air conditioning, a fully flat floor design, a more powerful Turbomeca Arriel 2D engine delivering approximately 10% increased power output, and an advanced anti-vibration system.
- ACH130
- A VIP-configured variant of the H130 model.
Operators
- 12 Apostles Helicopters
- Impress Aviation
- Druk Air Helicopter Services
- Paraná State Police
- Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources
- Heli Securite
- Blue Hawaiian Helicopters
- Broward County Sheriff's Office
- Air Methods Corporation
- Lutheran Health Network
Notable accidents and incidents
- In February 2018, a Papillon Airways EC130B4 crashed within the Grand Canyon amid strong wind conditions, resulting in five fatalities. The deaths were attributed to a non-crashworthy fuel tank rupturing upon impact. Subsequently, in January 2024, a Nevada court awarded approximately £79 million ($100 million) in damages to the victims’ families, holding Airbus Helicopters SAS and Papillon Airways jointly responsible. This tragedy prompted regulatory changes mandating all helicopter fuel tanks be protected against rupture.
- On 2 January 2023, two EC130B4 helicopters operated by Sea World Helicopters collided mid-air over Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia, causing four deaths and eight injuries.
- On 3 March 2023, an EC130 operated by Drukair Helicopter Services crashed near Wachey, Bhutan; all five occupants perished, including a family of four.
- On 9 February 2024, an EC130 crashed in California’s Mojave Desert close to Nipton. All six individuals onboard died, among them Nigerian banker Herbert Wigwe, CEO of Access Holdings.
- On 16 January 2025, an EC130B4 registered PR-WVT and operated by C & F Administração de Aeronaves Ltda crashed near Caieiras in São Paulo state, Brazil. Of the five people onboard—a pilot and a family of three—only the pilot and one child survived.