The Airbus H130 represents the pinnacle of single-engine helicopter design, specifically tailored for passenger transport, sightseeing operations, VIP duties, and emergency medical services. As a refined evolution of the proven Ecureuil helicopter family, the H130 delivers exceptional cabin space, panoramic visibility, and remarkably quiet operation that sets new standards in its class. With over 900 helicopters delivered to 467 operators worldwide and accumulating 3.5 million flight hours, the H130 has established itself as the reference aircraft for multi-mission operations requiring premium passenger comfort and operational versatility.
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Endurance @ MTOW
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Airbus helicopters offer exceptional performance, safety, and versatility, ideal for various missions like aerial work, sightseeing, law enforcement, and VIP transport. With advanced avionics, efficient engine designs, and spacious cabins, each model ensures reliability and comfort in any environment.
Features | Description |
---|---|
Active Vibration Control System | Advanced technology that significantly reduces cabin vibration for enhanced passenger comfort during all phases of flight. |
Fenestron Shrouded Tail Rotor | Airbus' signature tail rotor design reduces noise by 6 dB below ICAO limits while enhancing safety for ground personnel. |
Panoramic Glass Configuration | Large wrap-around windscreen and expansive cabin windows provide exceptional 360-degree visibility for passengers and crew. |
Spacious Flat-Floor Cabin | Largest internal cabin volume in its class with 3.70 m³ (130.70 cu ft) of passenger space excluding pilot area. |
Garmin G500H Glass Cockpit | State-of-the-art avionics with synthetic vision system (SVS) and helicopter terrain avoidance warning system (HTAWS). |
The H130 has become the global benchmark for tourism helicopters, offering passengers an unparalleled aerial experience through its combination of panoramic visibility and whisper-quiet operation. The aircraft’s noise signature remains 6 dB below ICAO requirements, making it compliant with the most restrictive environmental regulations including those for national parks and urban areas. The spacious cabin accommodates up to seven passengers in forward-facing seats, with rear passengers enjoying elevated theater-style seating that maximizes scenic views. Falcon Aviation Services recently expanded their UAE sightseeing operations with five H130s, citing the aircraft’s “unmatched sightseeing experience” and attractive aesthetics as key factors in their fleet decision.
The H130’s premium cabin environment makes it ideally suited for executive transport and VIP operations, offering passengers a first-class experience with leather appointments, aluminum accents, and carbon fiber details. The active vibration control system and advanced environmental controls ensure passenger comfort throughout the flight, while the panoramic windows provide spectacular views. The aircraft’s operational flexibility allows for rapid reconfiguration between passenger transport and other mission profiles, making it valuable for operators requiring multi-role capability.
The H130’s exceptional visibility, quiet operation, and spacious equipment bay make it highly effective for law enforcement applications. The unobstructed cabin provides excellent observation platforms for surveillance operations, while the low external noise signature enables covert operations. The aircraft can accommodate tactical consoles, searchlights, and electro-optical systems without compromising passenger capacity. Its compact size and excellent maneuverability allow operations in confined urban environments where larger aircraft cannot safely operate.
Type | Single-engine multi-mission helicopter |
Max Takeoff Weight | 2,500 kg (5,512 lb) standard / 3,050 kg (6,724 lb) with external load |
Max Speed | 237 km/h (128 knots) |
Range | 606 km (327 NM) at fast cruise speed |
Capacity | 1 pilot + 7 passengers or 2 pilots + 5 passengers |
Engine | Safran Helicopter Engines Arriel 2D, 710 kW (952 shp) |
Useful Load | 1,037 kg (2,286 lb) |
External Load Capacity | 1,500 kg (3,307 lb) |
Applications | Passenger transport, tourism, VIP, EMS, law enforcement, aerial work |
Wherever customers operate, a member of Airbus’ worldwide service network is nearby to provide the support needed to keep their flying.
This network includes:
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