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Eurocopter EC135

From Alfawiki
Airbus Helicopters
IndustryAerospace, Defense
Founded1992
Headquarters
Marignane
,
France
ProductsHelicopters, including H135 (formerly Eurocopter EC135)
Websitewww.airbus.com/helicopters.html

The Airbus Helicopters H135, previously known as the Eurocopter EC135, is a twin-engine light utility helicopter designed for civilian use and manufactured by Airbus Helicopters. It is certified for operations under instrument flight rules (IFR) and equipped with a digital automatic flight control system (AFCS). The aircraft first took to the skies in February 1994 and entered service in 1996. By September 2020, more than 1,400 units had been delivered to around 300 operators spanning 60 countries, collectively logging over 5 million flight hours. Its primary applications include air medical services (medevac), corporate transport, law enforcement, offshore wind farm support, and military pilot training. Approximately 50% of these helicopters are based in Europe, with about 25% operating in North America. The military version, designated H135M (certified as the Eurocopter EC635), is derived from the original design lineage tracing back to the MBB Bo 105.

Origins

The project originated in the 1970s at Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm (MBB) under the name Bo 108, initially serving as a technology demonstrator that merged elements from the successful MBB Bo 105 with innovative features such as full-authority digital engine controls (FADEC), a hingeless main rotor system, and an upgraded transmission. Its maiden flight occurred on 17 October 1988, powered by two Allison 250-C20R/1 engines; a subsequent prototype flew in June 1991 equipped with two Turbomeca TM319-1B Arrius engines. Early versions utilized traditional tail rotors.

During the late 1990s, enhancements included the integration of a Fenestron tail rotor system, an advanced rigid main rotor design, extensive use of composite materials, and vibration isolation technologies. Two pre-production models were constructed as part of the certification process under the newly formed Eurocopter brand. The EC135 was offered with a choice between two engine types: Turbomeca Arrius 2B and Pratt & Whitney Canada PW206B, both successfully implemented in production units.

The EC135 made its public debut at the Heli-Expo event in Las Vegas in January 1995, impressing potential customers with its performance capabilities and notably low noise emissions—largely attributed to its Fenestron tail—earning it recognition as the quietest helicopter in its category for over fifteen years. Although initially aimed at emergency medical services operators, it quickly attracted a broad range of users. Certification by the European JAA was granted in June 1996, followed by FAA approval in July of the same year.

In December 1999, Germany's Luftfahrt-Bundesamt authorized single-pilot IFR (SPIFR) operations; this certification was subsequently adopted by the UK Civil Aviation Authority in December 2000.

Further development

In 2000, Eurocopter began certifying the EC135P2 variant powered by the Pratt & Whitney Canada PW206B2 engine, which improved single-engine performance and introduced a 30-second emergency power capability. Certification from the LBA was obtained in July 2001, with the first delivery made to the Swedish Police Authority in August that year. The EC135T2 model followed in September 2002 featuring an upgraded Turbomeca Arrius 2B2 engine that further enhanced single-engine performance.

The EC135 also served as a platform for testing fibre optic-based flight control technologies through its role as an active control technology demonstrator/flying helicopter simulator (ACT/FHS) beginning in 2002. Airbus Helicopters introduced the Bluecopter demonstrator in 2014 to investigate fuel-saving design improvements such as optimized single-engine operation for economy, Blue Edge rotor blades designed to reduce noise and boost efficiency, repositioned horizontal stabilizers, an active rudder system, and innovative water-based paint—all aimed at cutting fuel consumption by up to 40%. However, trials involving single-engine operation were postponed until summer 2016 due to updates required for avionics including modifications to engine FADEC.

At the NBAA convention held in Atlanta in March 2007, Eurocopter revealed L'Hélicoptère par Hermès, a luxurious VIP edition of the EC135 crafted by Hermès International. This version features a bespoke four-seat cabin layout, sliding glass partitions, dedicated corporate baggage compartments, redesigned landing gear, along with various external modifications. Falcon Aviation Services of Abu Dhabi was its initial customer. Personalization options for this model were expanded by Airbus in July 2014.

In 2011, Eurocopter entered into a licensing agreement with Zhong-Ou International Group to manufacture EC135 helicopters within Zhejiang Province, China. Later in October 2015, Airbus Helicopters and Ecopark signed a letter of intent to establish a final assembly line (FAL) in Qingdao Province alongside placing an order valued at $1.1 billion for one hundred Chinese-assembled H135 units. Despite this manufacturing expansion abroad, primary assembly operations continue at Airbus Helicopters’ Donauwörth facility. Construction of the Chinese FAL began in May 2017 with production commencing in April 2019.

In January 2016, Russia’s Ural Works of Civil Aviation (UWCA), part of Rostec, entered into an agreement to produce the H135 under license at its Yekaterinburg plant. Production was anticipated to start during 2017 following Russian type certification and potentially integrate into Airbus’s global supply chain.

Two upgraded variants—the EC135 T3 and EC135 P3—were developed featuring enhanced hover and high-altitude performance achieved through repositioned engine air intakes, broader main rotor blades, and redesigned fenestron tails. The EC135 T3 variant entered operational service in December 2014.

In December 2020, EASA approved an Alternate Gross Weight (AGW) option for the H135 series that increases maximum takeoff weight by up to 265 lb (120 kg). This enhancement allows operators either to increase payload capacity or extend range by up to 75 nautical miles or endurance by as much as 40 minutes under standard conditions. This upgrade can be retrofitted on all Helionix-equipped H135 helicopters.

Also during December 2020, Airbus certified a new single-pilot IFR Helionix cockpit configuration for the H135. This setup permits customers to either remove or retain the copilot side instrument panel depending on whether they prefer improved visibility or wish to accommodate specific STC equipment installations.

Design

The H135 is a twin-engine helicopter available with either Turbomeca Arrius 2B or Pratt & Whitney Canada PW206B powerplants, selected according to customer preference and indicated by the T or P variant designation.[1][2] Its main rotor consists of four hingeless blades made from fibre-composite materials, which have been progressively enhanced to boost performance while lowering maintenance requirements.[3] Recognized as the quietest helicopter in its category, the EC135 incorporates an anti-resonance isolation system designed to significantly reduce vibrations.[4] The Fenestron tail rotor includes a HI NR optimization mode that improves handling during demanding take-offs and landings.[2] This model is certified for Category A operations throughout its entire flight envelope.[5]

Operators can choose between a traditional flight deck or the Avionique Novelle glass cockpit, which facilitates single-pilot operation under instrument flight rules.[6] The glass cockpit is equipped with multiple liquid-crystal display panels, including Sextant SMD45 units alongside a central display. The primary avionics suite is provided by Thales Group, with additional options from Transas Aviation and Britannia 2000 available.[7][8]

The newest H135 variants feature a four-axis autopilot integrated within the Helionix avionics system, enhancing commonality with other Airbus Helicopters such as the H145, H160, and H175.[9] Earlier EC135 models were equipped with three-axis autopilots that included stability augmentation and a First Limit Indicator (FLI) for monitoring engine and torque parameters.[2][6] Additionally, optional touchscreen interfaces for the cockpit are offered.[5]

The EC135 cabin layout is adaptable depending on mission requirements and operator preferences. It can seat up to five passengers plus the pilot in an executive configuration or accommodate seven passengers in a high-density corporate arrangement.[2] Its modular interior design allows for swift reconfiguration to support various roles.[5][6] Access is provided through large side doors or rear clamshell doors located beneath the tail boom, which are particularly favored by emergency medical services (EMS) and cargo operators.[10]

Medical configurations may include onboard intensive care units with resuscitation equipment, incubators, and flooring designed for hygiene purposes.[5] Mountain rescue setups can carry two stretchers along with the pilot and specialized crew members simultaneously.[3]

Airbus Helicopters highlights the airframe’s exceptional versatility across multiple applications such as utility work, commercial transport, pilot training, and law enforcement.[5] Law enforcement packages offer equipment like external loudspeakers, rappelling gear, searchlights equipped with laser pointers, hoists mounted on either side of the aircraft, and electro-optical sensor systems. Offshore oil and gas configurations feature weather and search radars, emergency flotation devices including automatic life rafts, energy-absorbing seats, certified external hoists, and crash-resistant fuel tanks.[5] An external cargo hook supports underslung loads up to 272 kg. Training capabilities include light aircraft recording systems for debriefs, user-friendly human-machine interfaces, tailored training modules, one-engine inoperative training modes, and comprehensive ground simulators.[5]

Operational history

The initial deliveries commenced in August 1996, with two helicopters supplied to the German emergency aero medical organization Deutsche Rettungsflugwacht. By June 1999, the 100th EC135 was handed over to the Bavarian police force, and the worldwide fleet had accumulated approximately 30,000 flight hours. In September 2003, UK-based McAlpine Helicopters received the 300th EC135, establishing it as the leading new light twin-engine helicopter in the British market.

By 2011, Eurocopter had reached a milestone by delivering its 1,000th EC135 to the German operator ADAC, marking about fifteen years of continuous production. The following year, Flying acknowledged the EC135 as the top-selling twin-engine helicopter globally. The aircraft with the highest logged flight hours is G-NESV (serial number 0067), operated by the Cleveland Police Air Operations Unit in the UK; it was also the first EC135 worldwide to surpass 10,000 flight hours.

In 2009, the EC135 became the pioneer aircraft approved by the Civil Aviation Authority for offshore wind farm support in the UK, specifically for operations at the Greater Gabbard wind farm. By 2013, it had facilitated over 10,000 personnel transfers at Denmark’s Horns Rev offshore wind installation. Additionally, in Mexico, Apoyo Logístico Aéreo utilizes EC135 helicopters to service oil and gas platforms located in the Gulf of Mexico.

By 2013, approximately one-quarter of all global emergency medical service flights were conducted using EC135s, with more than 500 units delivered in aeromedical configurations. That same year, despite a temporary grounding related to fuel gauge safety issues, EC135s represented half of the UK's active air ambulance fleet. In October 2014, China received its inaugural fully equipped EC135 air ambulance.

The German Army operates a fleet of 19 H135 helicopters as training platforms at the School of Army Aviation in Bückeburg, maintaining operational availability exceeding 95%. However, concerns emerged in 2014 regarding rotor blade cracking caused by vibrations during autorotation training exercises. The Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force acquired 13 EC135 trainers designated as TH-135.

December 2014 marked the entry into service of the first production EC135 T3 with Italy’s mountain rescue organization Aiut Alpin Dolomites. By June 2015, Airbus Helicopters had introduced upgraded H135 models featuring a larger main rotor, repositioned engine air intakes, improved engine capabilities, and a redesigned horizontal stabilizer.

In October 2015, Waypoint Leasing announced plans to procure up to twenty H135 helicopters for public leasing applications.

The Royal Air Force began receiving its initial two out of a total order of twenty-nine H135s—designated Juno HT.1—in 2017 as part of the UK Military Flying Training System, operated by Ascent Flight Training.

In 2018, under Project Air 9000 Phase 7, the Australian Defence Force established a Joint Helicopter School equipped with fifteen EC135T2+ helicopters to train pilots from both the Australian Army and Royal Australian Navy at Navy's 723 Squadron based at HMAS Albatross. Following retirement of the MRH-90 Taipan, Australia declared in 2024 its intention to lease five H135T3 (Juno) helicopters from the UK Ministry of Defence for a five-year period to maintain critical pilot training at Oakey Army Aviation Centre.

Variants

EC135 P1
Powered by a pair of Pratt & Whitney Canada PW206B engines delivering 463 kW (621 shp) each at take-off. The initial maximum take-off weight (M.T.O.W.) was set at 2,630 kg (5,798 lbs) and later increased to 2,835 kg (6,250 lbs). Subsequent models incorporated the centre panel display system (CPDS).
EC135 T1
Equipped with two Turbomeca Arrius 2B1 engines rated at 435 kW (583 shp) each, featuring a similar progression in M.T.O.W. and integration of CPDS.
EC135 P2
Features twin Pratt & Whitney Canada PW206B2 engines, each producing 463 kW (621 shp), with improved thermodynamic and mechanical one engine inoperative (OEI) ratings at 128% OEI torque. This variant replaced the P1 in production starting August 2001.
EC135 T2
Incorporates two Turbomeca Arrius 2B2 engines rated at 452 kW (606 shp) with enhanced OEI capabilities. It succeeded the T1 model in production from August 2002.
EC135 P2+ (EC135 P2i)
The current production standard, outfitted with upgraded PW206B2 engines delivering 498 kW (667 shp) through FADEC software enhancements. The M.T.O.W. was raised to 2,910 kg (6,415 lbs), alongside extended component time between overhauls (TBOs) and updated main transmission lubricating oil. Manufactured in facilities located in Germany and Spain.
EC135 T2+ (EC135 T2i)
The latest iteration powered by Arrius 2B2 engines rated at 473 kW (634 shp), incorporating similar enhancements as the P2+. Production occurs in Germany and Spain.
EC135 P2+ (EC135 P2e)
A marketing designation for models featuring an increased M.T.O.W. of 2,950 kg (6,504 lbs), restricted to a limited flight envelope.
EC135 T2+ (EC135 T2e)
Equivalent marketing designation applied to the T2+ variant with elevated M.T.O.W.
EC135 P3
Released in 2014, this version is driven by two PW206B3 engines rated at 528 kW (708 shp) each, benefiting from FADEC upgrades. The M.T.O.W. was increased to 2,980 kg (6,570 lbs), significantly boosting OEI performance, Category A capabilities, and hot/high operational efficiency.
H135 (EC135 T3)
Also introduced in 2014, equipped with Arrius 2B2Plus engines producing 492 kW (660 shp) per unit via FADEC enhancements. It matches the P3’s M.T.O.W. and performance improvements.
EC635/H135M
A military adaptation originally developed for the Portuguese Army’s fire support and medical evacuation roles. Currently utilized by armed forces in Jordan, Switzerland,[11] and Iraq.[12]
TH-135
A military training helicopter derived from the EC135 T2+ model.[13]
ACH135
Corporate version based on the H135 airframe.
VH-35
VIP transport variant operated by the Brazilian Air Force.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name
H.13 ()
Designation used by the Royal Thai Armed Forces for the H135.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name

Operators

As of 2016 data, approximately half of all EC135 helicopters were deployed in emergency medical services roles. Air transport accounted for 17%, public service missions—primarily law enforcement—made up 16%, military operations comprised 10%, offshore activities including wind power inspection represented 4%, and military training accounted for the remaining 3%.

By September 2020, Airbus Helicopters had delivered the 1,400th EC135 unit to over 300 customers spanning more than 60 nations. Collectively, these aircraft have logged upwards of 4.5 million flight hours. The largest concentration is found in Europe with 641 units, followed by North America with 316 and Asia with 195.

Military operators

  • Royal Canadian Air Force - Plans to acquire nineteen helicopters for pilot training purposes, manufactured at Airbus Helicopters’ Fort Erie plant with deliveries commencing in 2026. These aircraft will be designated CT-135 Juno within RCAF service.

Government Operators

Accidents and Incidents

  • On 29 November 2013, a Police Scotland EC135 T2 collided with a pub in Glasgow, Scotland, resulting in three fatalities among those on board and seven casualties inside the establishment. The UK AAIB's conclusive report from October 2015 identified no major technical faults but highlighted that crucial fuel transfer pumps were inexplicably turned off, and the helicopter failed to execute an emergency landing within the timeframe mandated by the low fuel warning checklist.
  • On 28 August 2023, an EC135 operated by the Broward Sheriff's Office crashed into a residential structure following reports of heavy smoke during flight. The accident claimed two lives, including a Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue Captain and a resident, while four additional individuals sustained injuries.

External Links

  1. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Benenson
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named pope
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named engineer 2014
  4. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named ben 89
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 5.6 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named civil broch
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named ben 89-90
  7. ↑ "Eurocopter shows the capability of its helicopters at MAKS 2011". Force, September 2012.
  8. ↑ "CAMC selected as NPAS EC135 mission system". Shepard Media, 17 November 2014.
  9. ↑ Perry, Dominic. "H135 gains Helionix avionics suite". Flight International, 7 October 2015.
  10. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named ben 89-91
  11. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Swiss
  12. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named WORLD AIR FORCES 2013
  13. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named th135 japan
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