Image: VAI/f-stop Photography Airbus Helicopters unveils H140 The manufacturer revealed the latest addition to its light twin family this morning at VERTICON 2025 in Dallas, Texas. By Mark Huber The H140 builds on the design of the existing H135 series but adds a bigger cabin, larger windows, five-bladed main rotor system, T-tail, and optimized Fenestron. The first aircraft should be available in 2028, according to Airbus CEO Bruno Even, who said the new helicopter was designed in close collaboration with customers. The aircraft borrows heavily from Airbus’s existing product line, according to the company. Specifically, the five-bladed main rotor system architecture, tail boom, and electronic master boxes were adapted from the larger H145 D3 and the door-handle design was gleaned from the H160. The rear-door opening was made larger and the tail boom raised to enable easier loading of air ambulance patients through the clamshell doors. Loading was also top of mind in the decision to remove the tail boom–mounted horizontal stabilizer and opting for a T-tail. The T-tail also improves aircraft performance, enabling up to 176 lb. of additional lift at hover. The new bearingless main rotor system provides a smoother ride, according to the company. The flat-floor cabin is completely open, as opposed to having a divider between it and the cockpit area. Power comes from a pair of Arrius 2E engines with full authority digital engine control (FADEC). Mark Huber is an aviation journalist with more than two decades of experience in the vertical flight industry.
