The Airbus H215 is a robust, twin-engine heavyweight helicopter derived from the mission-proven Super Puma/Cougar family. It combines excellent payload lift performance with cost efficiency, optimized for use in the world’s harshest environments. Equipped with a modern glass cockpit and advanced 4-axis digital autopilot inherited from the H225, the H215 excels in diverse public service and aerial work missions. This helicopter offers dependable availability and versatile configurations to meet varied operational needs such as search and rescue, firefighting, passenger transport, and utility work.
on board
Fast cruise speed
Endurance @ MTOW
Range @ MTOW
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 |
|---|---|
| Advanced Autopilot | 4-axis dual duplex system from H225 ensuring precision, stability, and flight envelope protection. |
| Cost Efficient & Reliable | Over 95% availability rate with competitive operating costs and robust design. |
| Multi-Role Cabin | Large, reconfigurable cabin with night vision goggle compatibility and full de-icing for all-weather operations. |
| Heavy Payload Capacity | Optimal payload capability, suitable for demanding aerial work and firefighting. |
| Versatile Configurations | Available in multiple seat layouts for various missions including SAR, troop transport, medevac, and passenger transport. |
The H215M is optimized for medium-heavy troop transport missions with a capacity for up to 24 fully equipped soldiers. Its spacious, versatile cabin includes two large double sliding doors and removable windows to facilitate rapid embarkation and disembarkation. For medical evacuation, the cabin reconfiguration allows six stretcher patients plus 10 additional passengers, supported by a crashworthy airframe and specialized medical equipment attachment points. The cabin environment includes heating and ventilation for operational comfort in diverse climates. This flexibility supports frontline troop movements, casualty evacuation under fire, and rear-base transport with enhanced safety and survivability.
Designed for prolonged, high-endurance SAR operations, the H215M’s standard fuel tanks provide a maximum range of 776 km, extendable to 1,165 km with auxiliary tanks. Its endurance reaches up to six hours with external fuel, essential for extended rescue missions in hostile or remote environments. The dual-duplex 4-axis autopilot system enables automatic hover and SAR-specific flight modes, reducing pilot workload during precise hover maneuvers critical for hoist operations. The rapid five-minute start-up time allows fast deployment, while the airframe’s icing protection and sand/dust-resistant air intakes ensure mission capability in harsh weather and battlefield conditions. Armed with defensive and offensive armaments such as dual-side 7.62 mm machine guns and rocket pods, the H215M is equipped for combat SAR, enhancing survivability in contested zones.
The H215M supports a wide array of special operations through fast-roping and rappelling kits for quick insertion/extraction of special forces. The helicopter accommodates cluster/grappe and basket personnel extraction devices enabling safe evacuation from difficult terrain or hostile territory. Its night vision goggle-compatible glass cockpit and advanced avionics suite allow covert night missions with high situational awareness. Its high power-to-weight ratio and ability to operate at high altitudes and temperatures ensure mission success in diverse environments. The helicopter’s rugged construction, including crashworthy landing gear and self-sealing fuel tanks, enhances crew survivability during high-risk operations.
The H215M is the most heavily armed in its class, capable of deploying multiple weapon systems to provide close fire support and suppress hostile forces. Armaments include side-mounted 7.62 mm machine guns for rapid firing, 20 mm cannon pods with 180 rounds for concentrated firepower, 68 mm rocket launchers for precision strikes, and options for additional rapid-fire machine guns mounted on the sides. These weapons are integrated with advanced targeting and firing control systems. The helicopter can also provide armed escort to transport missions or perform armed reconnaissance. Its combination of firepower and mobility enables it to support ground troops effectively while performing multi-mission roles.
| Type | Heavyweight, twin-engine civil helicopter |
| Max Takeoff Weight | 8,600 kg (18,960 lb) |
| Max Takeoff with External Load | 9,350 kg (20,615 lb) |
| Max Speed | 252 km/h (136 knots) |
| Range (Short/Long) | 642 - 866 km (346 - 468 NM), depending on version |
| Capacity | 1 or 2 crew + 17 to 22 passengers |
| Engines | 2 × Safran Makila 1A1 Turboshaft |
| Takeoff Power | 1,357 kW (1,819 shp) per engine |
| Useful Load | 4,038 kg / 3,889 kg (8,903 lb / 8,575 lb) |
| External Load Capacity | 4,500 kg (9,920 lb) |
| Applications | SAR, medevac, firefighting, disaster relief, aerial work, passenger and troop transport, law enforcement |
Wherever customers operate, a member of Airbus’ worldwide service network is nearby to provide the support needed to keep their flying.
This network includes:
Here, you can explore a stunning collection of our helicopters, showcasing the craftsmanship and innovation that sets us apart. Dive into our images to see the sleek designs and advanced features that make our helicopters a top choice for enthusiasts and professionals alike.
