Partnership between Airbus and Bristow Group revealed for potential procurement of 15 H135 helicopters under a defined agreement
Airbus H135 Helicopter Secures Deal with Bristow Group for Offshore Missions
The Airbus H135 helicopter, renowned for its versatility and advanced technology, has secured a significant deal with Bristow Group Inc., the leading global provider of innovative and sustainable vertical flight solutions.
Under the framework contract, Airbus Helicopters and Bristow Group have agreed to a deal for up to fifteen H135 helicopters. The contract includes five firm orders and ten options, with the first helicopter scheduled for delivery in October 2024. This announcement was made during the HAI EXPO 2024.
Bristow Group already operates a fleet of 10 H135 family helicopters and has expressed its renewed trust in Airbus Helicopters. Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters, expressed his gratitude for this vote of confidence.
The H135 is considered very capable for offshore missions, as well as overland missions, due to its advanced avionics suite, Helionix, which enhances safety and situational awareness in challenging environments. The cockpit is night vision goggle compatible and includes a First Limit Indicator.
Powered by two Safran Arrius 2B2plus or Pratt & Whitney PW206B3 turboshaft engines, the H135 offers reliable performance and redundancy. It has a cruise speed of approximately 254 km/h (158 mph) and a range of about 635 km (395 miles), making it suitable for offshore sites.
The compact size (length ~10.2 m, height 3.51 m) and relatively light maximum takeoff weight (~2,910 kg) provide operational flexibility in confined offshore helipads or ships. The versatile cabin layouts with comfortable seating and good visibility are critical for passenger transport in offshore roles, including facilities to carry cargo or medical evacuation payloads.
The H135's performance is attributed to Airbus Helicopters' Helionix avionics suite, which offers features such as a single-pilot IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) certified flight capability, a synthetic vision system, and a digital automatic flight control system (AFCS). These features enhance safety and situational awareness in challenging environments typical of offshore operations.
The H135 has a proven track record for both offshore and overland missions, having accumulated more than 7 million flight hours collectively, and over 1,500 helicopters of the H135 family have been delivered globally.
In summary, the Airbus H135’s combination of twin-engine reliability, advanced avionics including the Helionix cockpit, flexible cabin configurations, good range and speed, plus compact footprint, makes it well-suited for offshore missions where safe, efficient, and flexible transport is essential. It supports both crew transport and specialized roles such as medical evacuation with IFR capabilities that allow operation in poor weather conditions frequently encountered offshore.
The deal with Bristow Group for up to fifteen H135 helicopters extends beyond offshore missions, as the aircraft's capabilities in finance, technology, and the aerospace industry make it suitable for various vertical flight solutions. The advanced technology in the H135's Helionix avionics suite and reliable performance from its engines contribute to its appeal in the finance sector, demonstrating Airbus Helicopters' commitment to innovation within the industry.
