The Airbus H145 is a twin-engine helicopter developed from the BK 117 and sold for years as the EC145. The H145 D3 has a five-blade rotor that raises useful load by 150 kg and was certified by EASA in June 2020. Our 8-seat H145 offers up to seven passengers in an executive layout.
From BK 117 to H145
The H145 began life as the BK 117 C2, developed by MBB and Kawasaki, and was sold by Eurocopter as the EC145 before taking the H145 name under Airbus Helicopters. It first flew on 12 June 1999, and the first deliveries to French and German customers followed in April 2002.
At a glance
| Feature | Airbus H145 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters |
| Engines | Two Turbomeca Arriel 2E turboshafts, 775 kW (1,039 shp) each |
| Rotor | Five-blade bearingless main rotor on the D3 (earlier versions have four blades) |
| Tail rotor | Fenestron, enclosed in the tail fin |
| Maximum take-off weight (D3) | 3,800 kg, up from 3,700 kg |
| Capacity | Up to nine passengers and two crew depending on configuration |
| Passengers on our flights | Up to seven in an executive layout (8-seat helicopter) |
The five-blade D3
The D3 version added a new five-blade, bearingless main rotor. It increases useful load by 150 kg, raises maximum take-off weight from 3,700 to 3,800 kg and gives a smoother ride. EASA certified it in June 2020, and existing four-blade H145s can be upgraded.
A proven working helicopter
The H145 is used by air ambulance services including Wales Air Ambulance and Yorkshire Air Ambulance, by Swiss and German rescue organisations, and in large numbers by the US Army and National Guard as the UH-72A Lakota. That record is why many people trust it for passenger charter as well.
The cabin
The H145’s flat-floor cabin is one of the roomiest among helicopters of its class, and the executive layout we fly seats up to seven passengers. It suits larger groups, business parties, events and longer journeys within range. For a smaller group or a compact landing site, see the AS355 Twin Squirrel profile or the Agusta A109 Grand profile.
Why the Fenestron matters
Instead of an open tail rotor, the H145 has a Fenestron, a fan enclosed in the tail fin. It protects people on the ground from the spinning rotor and is helpful when loading and unloading at busy sites. See the full range on our fleet page.
Frequently asked questions
How many passengers does the Airbus H145 carry?
The type can carry up to nine passengers and two crew depending on configuration. Our executive layout carries up to seven passengers.
What is the difference between the EC145 and the H145?
They are the same helicopter family. The EC145 was the Eurocopter name, and H145 is the current Airbus Helicopters name, with the D3 as the latest version.
What does the D3 mean?
D3 is the version with the five-blade main rotor, which raises useful load by 150 kg and was certified by EASA in June 2020.
Is the H145 twin-engine?
Yes. It has two Turbomeca Arriel 2E engines.
A second view of this helicopter: Airbus H145 fleet guide on helicopterhireprices.co.uk.
Plan your flight
Travelling with a larger group? Tell us your route and date and we will reply with a price for the H145. Our charter team is available 24 hours a day.