Air Rescue Service ADAC Luftrettung and OAMTC Air Rescue agree on purchase of ten H140 helicopters from Airbus.
The Airbus H140 helicopter, set to enter service in 2028, is poised to revolutionise the emergency medical services (EMS) sector. With its innovative design and features, it has already garnered the attention and support of leading European air rescue organisations such as ADAC Luftrettung and OAMTC Flugrettung.
A Helicopter Tailored for Public Service
The H140's key features include a new T-shaped tail boom with an aerodynamically optimised Fenestron, a five-seat configuration (pilot included), and a cabin designed for accessibility with large sliding doors. These features make the helicopter compact, efficient, and well-suited for roles like air rescue and medical transport.
ADAC Luftrettung, a pioneer in the development of the EC135 in the 1990s, has played a significant role in establishing this helicopter as the backbone of modern air rescue in Germany and Europe. The organisation, which responded to around 50,000 life-saving missions in 2024, has agreed to acquire three H135 helicopters and one H145, in addition to the H140.
OAMTC Flugrettung, another key player, operated 32 H135 helicopters from 18 permanent bases and 4 additional winter bases in Austria in 2021, carrying out more than 22,000 missions, with an average of 61 missions per day. The organisation has also contributed to the development of the H140, incorporating their operational expertise from daily air rescue missions.
A Helicopter for Urban Operations
The H140's design focuses on noise reduction, a crucial aspect for urban and sensitive area operations. Its quieter operation, coupled with its maneuverability and patient capacity, makes it an ideal choice for air rescue and ambulance services that value a low noise footprint, operational efficiency, and versatility.
The H140's large sliding doors, clamshell doors, and high tail boom provide rear loading capabilities for various stretcher systems and transport incubators, further enhancing its suitability for EMS operations.
A Helicopter for the Future
The H140 is part of Airbus Helicopters' VERTICON2025 program and is positioned to raise the bar in the light twin-engined category for performance, cost-effectiveness, and passenger and crew comfort. With its larger cabin space, large windows, and optimised cabin layout, it can accommodate up to six passengers comfortably.
The H140 complements Airbus Helicopters' current light twin offering for the EMS, passenger transport, and private and business aviation markets. Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters, expressed gratitude to ADAC Luftrettung and OAMTC Flugrettung for their contributions to the development of the H140. In total, these organisations have agreed to purchase a combined ten H140 helicopters, with each operator receiving five.
As the H140 prepares to enter service, it is clear that it is set to redefine the light twin-engined helicopter market, offering a more efficient, quieter, and versatile solution for EMS operations.
- The collaboration between Airbus Helicopters and leading European air rescue organizations, such as ADAC Luftrettung and OAMTC Flugrettung, signals a new era in emergency medical services (EMS) operating in the [aerospace] industry.
- The innovative design of the Airbus H140 helicopter, including its focus on noise reduction and tailored features for EMS operations, is poised to revolutionise not only the aerospace sector but also the finance and technology aspects of the [industry] and [finance] sectors as it improves efficiency and reduces costs.
