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Airbus Helicopters H130 (EC130)

2001 MODERN

History of the Airbus Helicopters H130 (EC130)

The Airbus Helicopters H130 Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) fills the market gap between the H120 Colibri and H135 platforms. These helicopters are capable of taking on a variety of missions and serving different industries.

With approximately 700 series completed to date (2021), the H130 operates under the global operator banner, serving law enforcement, environmental, security, travel, medical evacuation and search and rescue (SAR) services from Australia and Bangladesh To Switzerland and the US, covering US states.

The H130 was originally developed by Eurocopter and was marketed under the name "EC130" before the company was incorporated into Airbus. The EC130/H130 is the evolution of the proven and globally popular Eurocopter AS350 "Ecureuil"/"AStar" series, which was launched in 1975 (over 3,500 units produced).

Like other Eurocopter LUHs, the H130 has a "Fenetron" ducted tail rotor unit. While this arrangement is more complex than a traditional exposed tail rotor, it reduces noise and protects the rotor assembly from foreign material intrusion. The system acts as an anti-torque device for the vehicle.

The helicopter has a smooth bullet-like shape as a whole. The cockpit area is circular and features large window panels for optimal visibility. The seats are side-by-side, the dashboard is relatively clean and uncluttered, with a focus on related systems and performance management. The traditional control stick is located between the knees of the two pilot positions, with a common control handle in the middle.

The standardized avionics package includes the Vehicle and Engine Multifunction Display (VEMD) system and the First Limit Indicator (FLI) unit. The landing gear is a simple four-point skid-mounted assembly, further reducing the complexity and maintenance of the compact machine.

In addition to the two front seats, the cabin can comfortably accommodate an additional four passengers. The VIP model introduces common perks and amenities consistent with the VIP transport role.

The engine (with Full Authority Digital Engine Control - FADEC) is mounted on top of the cab and drives a three-blade main unit with cylindrical exhaust ports protruding from the rear of the bracket. The powerplant is a Turbomeca Arriel 2 series turboshaft engine with 848 hp driving the main rotor/tail rotor assembly. Performance specs include a top speed of 178 mph, a cruising speed of 150 mph, a range of up to 380 miles and a service ceiling of 23,000 feet.

Climb to 1,800 feet per minute.

Variants in the series include the original H130 B4 launch model, the H130 T2 with an upgraded Arriel 2D engine (thus increasing performance and overall capability), and the VIP-oriented ACH130.

The main market qualities of the H130 are its proven pedigree, reliability, noise characteristics and maintainability - all on a very versatile frame.

Specifications for Airbus Helicopters H130 (EC130)

Basics

Years of Service

2001

Origins

France

Status

Active.

Crew

Production

700

Manufacturer

Airbus Helicopters (Eurocopter) France

Carrier

Antigua and Barbuda; Australia; Bangladesh; Brazil; Canada; France; Monaco; Netherlands; Portugal; Switzerland; United States

Roles

Special Mission: MEDEVAC

Extraction of wounded combat or civilian elements using specialized shipboard equipment and available internal volume or external carrying capacity.

Special Mission: Search and Rescue (SAR)

Ability to locate and evacuate personnel from potentially hazardous or dangerous areas, such as downed pilots at sea.

VIP Service

Used in the VIP (Very Important Person) passenger role, usually with above-average amenities and luxury as standard.

Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance (ISR), reconnaissance

Monitor ground targets/target areas to assess surrounding threat levels, enemy strength, or enemy movement.

Notable Features

Vertical Takeoff/Landing (VTOL)

The

series has the tactical capability of vertical take-off and/or landing, a characteristic usually associated with helicopters.

shaded tail rotor

The tail rotor is mounted in a multi-blade arrangement protected by a Fennestron (or similar), which reduces operating noise and reduces the risk of inhalation of foreign bodies.

Closed crew room

There are partially or fully enclosed crew work areas.

Dimensions and Weight

Length

35. 1 ft

(10.70m)

Width/span

35. 1 ft

(10.70m)

Height

11. 0 feet

(3.35m)

Cured weight

3,042 lbs

(1,380 kg)

MTOW

5,357 lbs

(2,430 kg)

Wgt Difference

+?2,315

(+1,050 kg)

Performance

Installed:

1 x 848 hp Turbomeca Arriel 2B1 turboshaft engine, driving a three-blade main rotor unit and a fenestron ducted tail rotor unit.

Maximum speed

186 km/h

(300 km/h | 162 kn)

Maximum

22,999 feet

(7,010 m | 4 km)

Area

379 km

(610 km | 1,130 nautical miles)

rate of climb

1,800 ft/min

(549 m/min)

Armor

None.

VARIANTS

H130 - Rebranding of the EC130 from Airbus Helicopters. EC130 - Original marketing name under the Eurocopter brand. EC130 B4 - Original market production form 2001. EC130 T2 - Improved B4 variant; upgraded Arreil 2D turboshaft engine; improved performance specs; cab air conditioning as standard.