Eurocopter EC225 Super Puma
| Company type | Aircraft model |
|---|---|
| Industry | Aerospace |
| Predecessor | AS332 L2 Super Puma |
| Founded | 1998 |
| Headquarters | Marignane , France |
| Products | Long-range twin-engine helicopter |
| Parent | Airbus Helicopters |
The Airbus Helicopters H225—previously known as the Eurocopter EC225 Super Puma—is a long-range, twin-engine helicopter designed for passenger transport. Developed by Eurocopter as an evolution of the civilian Super Puma series, it accommodates up to 24 passengers in addition to crew members. Its versatility allows configurations suitable for offshore operations, VIP transit, and various public service roles.
The civilian EC225 has a military equivalent initially called the Eurocopter EC725. Following Eurocopter's rebranding to Airbus Helicopters in 2015, the EC225 was renamed H225, while the EC725 became the H225M.
Development
The expansion of offshore oil and gas activities after the 1973 oil crisis generated a need for more advanced rotary-wing aircraft. In response, Eurocopter unveiled the EC225 in June 1998 as an enhanced variant of the AS332 L2 Super Puma. Notable advancements included the integration of Spheriflex rotor technology, upgraded Turbomeca Makila 2A engines, and a newly designed main gearbox. These improvements contributed to increased speed, enhanced passenger comfort and safety, and lowered operating expenses.
The prototype's maiden flight occurred on 27 November 2000. The EC225 secured certification from the European Aviation Safety Agency by July 2004. In December 2015, it became the first foreign heavy-lift helicopter to receive approval from Russia’s Interstate Aviation Committee.
At Heli-Expo 2014, Airbus Helicopters launched the EC225e model featuring modernized avionics—such as TCAS II collision avoidance—and structural modifications aimed at extending its range to 300 nautical miles while carrying up to ten passengers. Lease Corporation International became the inaugural customer with an order valued at $645 million for 15 EC225e and six EC175 helicopters. However, by February 2016, plans to upgrade to Makila 2B engines were abandoned to control costs; other enhancements proceeded as planned.
In 2015, Airbus announced development of a new-generation helicopter dubbed X6; nevertheless, this project was discontinued in early 2018. Production of the EC225 is anticipated to continue at least until 2030.
Design
Building upon the AS332L2 Super Puma, the EC225 features a five-blade main rotor with an updated airfoil shape designed to minimize vibration and noise levels. The rotor blades utilize composite spars with parabolic tips and offer optional anti-icing capabilities for operations in cold environments. Two Turbomeca Makila 2A1 turboshaft engines power the aircraft, providing approximately 14% more output than previous models. These engines incorporate redundant dual-channel FADEC systems plus an additional backup to ensure reliability. FADEC regulates engine power within gearbox limitations. The use of modular engine parts and composite materials simplifies maintenance procedures while reducing overall weight.
A critical safety enhancement is found in the main gearbox’s emergency oil spraying system, which surpasses JAR 29 regulatory standards by allowing continued operation for up to 50 minutes following oil loss. The engines are equipped with a "blade shedding" mechanism to prevent overspeed damage. Energy-absorbing self-sealing fuel tanks are located within sponsons that also house lighting fixtures. Although the transmission is capable of handling power beyond engine maximum output, two incidents in 2012 involving bevel gear shaft fractures led to its redesign in 2013 and upgrades to the health and usage monitoring system (HUMS) for real-time crack detection.
The cockpit is outfitted with a comprehensive glass cockpit comprising active-matrix liquid crystal displays: four multifunctional screens measuring 6x8 inches display flight information; two additional 4x5 inch monitors show aircraft system data; and a smaller 3-inch backup screen is provided. These advanced avionics reduce pilot workload by integrating flight management and systems control alongside a four-axis digital autopilot. Typically, pilots input routes and oversee flight progress rather than manually flying continuously; traditional paper charts are eliminated from operations. While manual control remains an option, the autopilot enforces flight envelope limits automatically. Startup procedures enable readiness for takeoff within three minutes.
Airbus Helicopters offers four primary EC225 configurations: a passenger transport layout accommodating up to 19 seats (expandable to 28 in high-density arrangements); VIP transport featuring lounge-style seating for 12 plus a cabin attendant; emergency medical services (EMS) equipped with six stretcher positions and seating for four medical personnel; and search and rescue (SAR) outfitted with operator and hoistman stations along with space for eight rescue seats plus three stretchers. Although single-pilot operations under visual flight conditions are feasible, mission crews usually consist of two pilots supported by cabin attendants or flight engineers depending on operational requirements.
Operational history
The EC225 entered service in January 2005 when Algeria became the inaugural operator, acquiring a single helicopter for VIP transport through the Algerian Ministerial Air Liaisons Group (GLAM).
In 2009, the AirKnight consortium put forward the EC225 as a contender against the Sikorsky S-92, offered by the Soteria consortium, for the UK's Search and Rescue – Helicopter (SAR-H) program aimed at replacing the Royal Air Force's Westland Sea King fleet. Although Soteria secured the contract in 2010, the project was suspended in 2011 due to issues involving access to classified information. Subsequently, in 2013, the Department for Transport awarded the SAR-H contract to Bristow Group, which operates Sikorsky S-92 and AgustaWestland AW189 helicopters.
By 2011, CHC Helicopter had become the largest operator of EC225s, with this model representing one-fifth of its rotorcraft inventory by 2015. CHC predominantly employs these helicopters for offshore oil and gas support as well as search and rescue operations. Eurocopter marked a milestone by delivering its 100th EC225 to Bristow Group in 2011. In March 2013, leasing firm Milestone Aviation Group placed an unprecedented order for 30 EC225 helicopters.
The EC225 is extensively utilized for offshore personnel transportation and search and rescue missions across Norway, the United Kingdom, and Australia. These helicopters are commonly outfitted with dual rescue hoists, FLIR thermal imaging systems, powerful searchlights, and sophisticated autopilot systems featuring autohover functionality. Additionally, the type fulfills aerial firefighting roles and can be equipped with Simplex Aerospace water cannons designed for urban fire response; Japan and South Korea are among its operators in this capacity.
Following a fatal accident on 22 October 2012, leading North Sea Super Puma operators—including CHC Helicopter, Bond Offshore Helicopters, and Bristow Helicopters—imposed a grounding on all AS332 and EC225 Super Puma aircraft. The root cause was identified as a failure in the main gearbox vertical shaft. While certain older AS332 models were cleared to return to service by late 2012 after inspections, the EC225 fleet remained grounded into 2013. Service gradually resumed after safety modifications approved by EASA were implemented. By mid-2015, all 49 EC225 helicopters operating in the UK North Sea had been upgraded with redesigned bevel wheel vertical shafts.
In March 2015, the Japan Coast Guard took delivery of its fifth and final EC225 configured specifically for search and rescue, security enforcement, territorial surveillance, and disaster relief missions.
The EC225 was shortlisted for Norway’s All Weather Search and Rescue Helicopter (NAWSARH) program intended to replace its Westland Sea King fleet. By July 2013, only the AW101 and EC225 remained under consideration; ultimately, Norway selected the AW101 in December 2013.
On 2 June 2016, an H225 crash in Norway exposed a possible safety concern involving the main rotor assembly. This prompted EASA to issue an emergency airworthiness directive grounding all H225 helicopters. By July 2016, approximately 80% of the global H225 fleet was grounded; however, some operators such as the French military continued flight operations. Although EASA lifted the grounding order in October 2016, several countries—including Norway and the UK—maintained operational limitations. Norwegian operator Statoil announced it would not return to using H225s even if restrictions were removed, opting instead for Sikorsky S-92 helicopters. By December 2016, three separate lawsuits had been filed by H225 operators alleging fundamental design flaws in the aircraft.
Variants
- EC225 LP
- An enhanced model derived from the AS332 L2 platform.
- EC225 Firefighting
- This version of the EC225 is outfitted with internal tanks specifically designed for aerial water bombing missions.
- EC225 SAR
- Configured for search and rescue, this EC225 includes FLIR technology, automatic hover capability, and dual electric winches to operate effectively in all weather conditions.
- EC225e
- Powered by the advanced Turbomeca Makila 2B turboshaft engine, this variant represents an updated propulsion option.
Operators
The EC225 Super Puma is utilized across offshore oil operations, corporate transport, law enforcement agencies, and governmental bodies.
The 34th Transport Aviation Division (People's Liberation Army Air Force) also counts EC225s among its fleet.
Military operators
- Hungarian Air Force (16 units ordered)
Template:Country data Kurdistan Region
Civilian operators
- Icelandic Coast Guard — acquired two H225s in 2019 and an additional one in 2021.
- Westair Helicopters — took delivery of one H225 in 2025, with two further units anticipated.
- Tokyo Fire Department (two helicopters on order)
- CHC Helikopter Service
- Bristow Norway (operations currently paused following a 2016 accident)
- Ministry of Internal Affairs (21 helicopters ordered), with deliveries commencing in December 2018.
Accidents and incidents
- 18 February 2009: An EC225 LP registered G-REDU operated by Bond Offshore Helicopters descended during a night visual approach to the ETAP platform and struck the sea surface. All 18 occupants survived; the accident was attributed to misjudgment of the helicopter’s position relative to the platform.
- 10 May 2012: The EC225 LP with registration G-REDW executed a controlled ditching after failure of the main gearbox lubrication system and activation of emergency warnings. Investigation identified a circumferential fracture in the bevel gear vertical shaft near a manufacturing weld, which caused disconnection of the oil pump.
- 22 October 2012: The EC225 LP G-CHCN operated by CHC Scotia ditched in the North Sea while en route to the West Phoenix rig; all 19 persons aboard were rescued. The incident stemmed from a similar crack in the bevel gear shaft that disabled oil pump functionality. Both 2012 events involved backup system alerts triggered by incorrect pressure switch specifications, leading to ditchings and subsequent global grounding of this helicopter type.
- 29 April 2016: EC225 LP LN-OJF belonging to CHC Helikopter Service crashed near Turøy during a flight from Gullfaks B platform to Bergen Airport; all thirteen onboard perished. The main rotor detached prior to impact. This tragedy resulted in Norwegian and British authorities grounding commercial EC225 operations. The investigation revealed fatigue crack failure in a main rotor gearbox gear. Additionally, the German Defence Ministry grounded three AS532 helicopters produced by the same manufacturer.
- 18 January 2023: An EC225 transporting Ukraine’s Minister of Internal Affairs Denys Monastyrsky, his deputy Yevhen Yenin, and state secretary Yurii Lubkovych crashed at a kindergarten in Brovary near Kyiv. The accident claimed fourteen lives, including those officials and a child, while twenty-five others sustained injuries.