Airbus H140: Designed By Lifesavers for Lifesavers

The H135 is acknowledged as a worldwide leader in helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS). As this market is a primary focus for the H140, collecting feedback and insights from seasoned operators helps establish the standard for designing and integrating many of the helicopter's new features.

Airbus H135

Approximately 3,000 helicopters are engaged in HEMS operations globally, with over half being designed and manufactured by Airbus. As a market leader, the H135 is already a highly regarded choice for medical missions. However, when developing a new helicopter specifically for the medical sector, the company aimed to advance even further. The goal for the H140 is to develop a contemporary, fully modular, and versatile cabin that can be precisely customised for EMS operations and the dedicated crew who devote their efforts to saving lives.

“We’ve been working with some of the biggest EMS operators in the world,” says Stefan Bestle, H140 Marketing Product Manager and Airbus Key Segment Manager for HEMS missions. Bestle worked closely and extensively with a range of medical operators to ensure their feedback fed into the development of the H140. “The H140 reflects what the customer requires,” explains Bestle. “We did very specific workshops, meetings and interviews. They wanted the cabin size to be bigger and to improve the performance of the helicopter where possible,” explains Bestle, but it wasn’t a case where the customers simply wanted the biggest possible cabin. “Bigger also comes with some disadvantages. You have more downwash; you need more space to land. Our customers also want the helicopter to be compact. We feel we achieved the perfect balance, offering a long, wide and tall cabin but offering efficiency and agility.”

Having successfully achieved the optimal cabin size, the subsequent focus was on innovating the medical cabin to create a more ergonomic workspace for the crew. The cabin, equipped with a HEMS floor, will provide operators with enhanced flexibility and modularity. Options will include positioning the stretcher on either the left or right-hand side, or accommodating two stretchers. Additionally, easy access was a significant priority on the operators' wish lists. “Together with the clients, we wanted to facilitate easier patient loading from the rear of the helicopter,” states Bestle. “Whether it is loading patients with CPR devices, roll-in stretchers, or those with specific stretcher bridges carrying medical devices in an upright position, there was an opportunity to improve access for all types of patients. The position of the tail boom has been raised, meaning there’s less necessity for the crew to duck down, and the horizontal stabiliser has been removed, eliminating an obstacle when rear loading. The whole rear door opening is bigger. We will have a straightedge loading edge, which is more comfortable and safer when you do stretcher loading. The H140 will also have specific HEMS lighting systems, externally, in  the cabin and for loading,” says Bestle.

Alongside the H140's HEMS configurations, a fixed provision concept is under development, designed to enhance both the helicopter's efficiency and its delivery process. “We are looking holistically at the overall equipped aircraft, not only the Airbus Helicopters part,” states Bestle. “We’re looking at the EMS equipment, which is usually installed later. By offering specific and modular mechanical and electrical HEMS provisions and lighting solutions, plus a dedicated HEMS floor, we will reduce the overall weight. But also by offering a turnkey solution, we are trying to reduce the time which is needed to do additional mass installations. The objective is for everything to be installed in our facilities, so the customer receives a helicopter fully equipped for EMS.”

As it is a new helicopter, the H140 has benefited from design solutions proven throughout the rest of the Airbus Helicopters range, as well as demonstrators such as Bluecopter. Notable examples include the T-shaped horizontal stabiliser, the innovative Fenestron design, and the five-bladed rotor. These features provide operators with an appealing ratio of useful load to maximum takeoff weight (MTOW). The H140 provides rapid yet smooth flight capabilities, significantly benefiting medical operators.