Airbus Helicopters' light-twin helicopter H135 has received the type certificate by the Federal Aviation Administration for its new Helionix cockpit. The avionics system designed by Airbus Helicopters offers operators increased mission flexibility and safety. Helionix is a family concept with standardised features and is available on the H175, H145 and soon on the H160. The first US customer for the H135 with Helionix was STAT Medevac, who received three helicopters of this type earlier this month.

The H135 with Helionix received its initial certification by the European Aviation Safety Agency in November 2016. First customers for the newest member of the H135 family were the British Ministry of Defence for the UK's Military Flight Training System (UKMFTS), which is operated by Ascent Flight training, as well as the Norwegian Helicopter Emergency Medical Services operator Norsk Luftambulanse AS (Nolas).

Martin Schneider, Head of H135 Programme said: "The FAA certification of the H135 with Helionix marks another important milestone for the H135 in the US and showcases our consistent efforts to improve the helicopter. The Helionix cockpit system with 4-axis autopilot significantly reduces the workload of the pilot and brings the H135 to an unrivalled level of safety due to the additional functions and mission features it adds to the H135's capability."

Besides the 4-axis autopilot, Helionix offers an innovative cockpit layout which helps to increase situational awareness. Designed with three large electronic displays, the cockpit is Night Vision Goggle compatible and includes a First Limit Indicator which highlights the appropriate engine instrument data for the pilot in one indicator.

The H135 is the unbeaten market leader in light twin-engine multi-purpose helicopters. Traditional missions for this class of helicopters include emergency medical services, law enforcement, VIP and business passenger transport, maintenance of industrial wind parks and military training.

Airbus Helicopters has delivered more than 1,300 H135s to customers around the globe who have logged a total of more than 4.5 million flight hours.

Contributed by Airbus