Photo: Airbus Helicopters HELICOPTER MODEL BRIEFINGS H125 and H130


Jérôme Ronssin, Light Helicopters Program director, reported that the H125 fleet is near pre-pandemic rates for utilization of flight hours. The big idea with these models is the modernization of the factory, leading to better efficiencies. He discussed the assembly stations and investment into training, testing, and technology. “We save time, and we save paper,” he said. With a modern factory, it is easier to manage a digital footprint, and all testing is done on tablets. Airbus has set up tracing for every part of the manufacturing process: what tool was used and when.


Ronssin said it is for quality control. He added that Airbus’ position in the global market is understanding whom it caters to and its market share. The company is looking at emerging markets for these models as well.


Perhaps the biggest news to come out of Heli-Expo with regard to the H125 is the development of an instrument flight rules (IFR) capability. The OEM will develop this capability in partnership with Genesys Aerosystems, and it will be available in the second half of 2024 from the Airbus Helicopters final assembly line in Columbus, Mississippi. It will consist


of an upgraded cockpit, a new autopilot, and redundant hydraulic and electrical systems.


“Thanks to its recent innovations, the H125 remains an unrivaled product in terms of performance and value for money. This new IFR feature will expand the helicopter’s mission capabilities in all weather conditions, especially for critical missions such as public services: law enforcement, emergency medical services, and enhanced training. These missions are in high demand worldwide, and in particular in North America,” Ronssin said.


Photo: Tom Buysse 70 Mar/Apr 2023


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68  |  Page 69  |  Page 70  |  Page 71  |  Page 72  |  Page 73  |  Page 74  |  Page 75  |  Page 76  |  Page 77  |  Page 78  |  Page 79  |  Page 80  |  Page 81  |  Page 82  |  Page 83  |  Page 84