Airbus Helicopters H175
Summary
| Category | Military Helicopters |
| Origin country | 🇫🇷 France |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters |
| First flight | 17 December 2009 |
| Year introduced | 2014 |
Technical specifications
| Version: EC175 | |
|---|---|
| Crew | 2 |
| Operational range | 1,259 km (782 mi) |
| Maximum speed | 315 km/h (196 mph) |
| Wing area | 172 m² (1851.4 sqft) |
| Wingspan | 14.8 m (48.6 ft) |
| Height | 5.3 m (17.5 ft) |
| Length | 18.1 m (59.3 ft) |
| Service ceiling | 6,000 m (19,685 ft) |
| Empty weight | 4,603 kg (10,148 lbs) |
| Max. takeoff weight | 7,800 kg (17,196 lbs) |
| Climb rate | 18.288 m/s (60.0 ft/s) |
| Powerplant | 2 x Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6C-67E delivering 662 kW each |
Current operating countries
| Country | Units | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Ghana | 1 (+2) | |
All operators
Recent events involving the H175
Description
The Airbus H175 is a 7-ton class super-medium utility helicopter developed through a joint venture between Airbus Helicopters and the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC). Formally launched in February 2008, the program was a co-development effort where Harbin Aircraft Industry Group (HAIG), an AVIC subsidiary, produced the airframe, gearboxes, and rotor systems, while Airbus served as the technical lead and systems integrator. The prototype conducted its official first flight on December 17, 2009, in Marignane, France. EASA type certification was received in January 2014, and the aircraft entered service in December 2014. Under a 20-year agreement signed in 2014, production is split between assembly lines in France and China, with a projected production of 1,000 units.
The H175 uses a five-blade Spheriflex main rotor and a three-blade tail rotor. Airbus-produced units are powered by two 1,325 kW Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6C-67E turboshaft engines equipped with dual-channel FADEC. The Chinese AC352 variant utilizes two 1,800 shp class Turbomeca Ardiden 3C/WZ16 engines. The helicopter is fitted with the Helionix avionics suite, which includes a 4-axis dual-duplex autopilot and four 6x8-inch multi-function LCD displays. The cockpit is night vision goggles-compatible and supports single-pilot operations under visual flight rules. Designed for Sea State 6 conditions, the H175 can be equipped with an emergency flotation system and two 18-passenger life rafts. The cabin features a flat floor and can be configured for 18 passengers in oil and gas transport, 9 to 12 in executive layouts, or 6 to 8 in VIP configurations. Optional equipment includes a chin-mounted electro-optical sensor and a sensor operator's console in the cabin.
Operational service began in 2014 with Noordzee Helikopters Vlaanderen (NHV) for North Sea oil and gas missions. By August 2015, the first two aircraft in the NHV fleet had accumulated 1,000 flight hours. The Hong Kong Government Flying Service is the launch customer for the search and rescue (SAR) variant. Other operators include the Royal Thai Police, the Spanish Air and Space Force, and the Guangdong Provincial Public Security Department. Commercial orders and letters of intent have been issued by Milestone Aviation Group (28 units), Transportes Aereos Pegaso (9 units), and SKYCO Leasing (6 units).
Main Variants
- EC175: The original designation for the helicopter prior to the 2015 corporate rebranding of Eurocopter as Airbus Helicopters.
- H175: The standard production model powered by PT6C-67E engines, utilized for offshore transport, SAR, and VIP roles.
- H175M: A military variant offered to the Royal Air Force for the United Kingdom's New Medium Helicopter (NMH) programme.
- Z-15: The original Chinese designation for the medium utility helicopter program.
- AC352: The Chinese-manufactured version of the aircraft equipped with Turbomeca Ardiden 3C/WZ16 engines.