Aircraft overview

The Airbus Helicopters H120 / EC120 Colibri is a light, single-engine civil helicopter originally developed by Eurocopter with international partners, including AVIC and Singapore Technologies Aerospace. The prototype first flew in 1995, with production aircraft delivered from the late 1990s until the type was discontinued in 2017. It is a five-seat helicopter used for private transport, training, utility work, law enforcement observation and light corporate missions. Its significance in the used market comes from its combination of a fully articulated main rotor, a shrouded Fenestron tail rotor and a relatively quiet external noise profile for its class.

Performance & specifications

Typical cruise speed is about 120 knots, with maximum range commonly published at approximately 380 nautical miles, depending on fuel, payload and operating conditions. Maximum takeoff weight is 3,780 lb, with useful load typically around the mid 1,500 lb range in standard configurations. The published service ceiling is 17,000 feet. Power is supplied by a single Turbomeca, later Safran, Arrius 2F turboshaft engine rated at about 504 shp for takeoff. Buyers should note that actual hot and high performance, hover capability and mission payload are strongly affected by installed equipment, interior fit and maintenance status.

Cabin & avionics

The Airbus Helicopters H120 / EC120 Colibri seats one pilot and up to four passengers, with two front seats and a three-place rear bench. The cabin is relatively wide for a light single and is accessed through large side doors, with a separate rear baggage compartment. Many aircraft were delivered with a Vehicle and Engine Multifunction Display, known as VEMD, which simplifies engine and systems monitoring. Typical avionics vary by year and operator, but commonly include VHF communication and navigation radios, transponder, audio panel, GPS units such as Garmin GNS or GTN series, and optional mission equipment. Garmin Perspective and G1000 are not standard EC120 installations.

Buying & value

Used Airbus Helicopters H120 / EC120 Colibri examples are often compared with other light singles where cabin size, noise, operating cost and training suitability matter more than heavy lifting capability. Important purchase checks include Arrius 2F engine status, remaining life on dynamic components, Fenestron condition, main rotor blade history, corrosion exposure, damage records, logbook continuity and compliance with Airbus Helicopters service bulletins and airworthiness directives. Common upgrades include modern Garmin GPS and comm equipment, ADS-B transponders, refreshed interiors, utility kits and mission-specific avionics. Based on current PlaneFox listing data, asking prices average about EUR 806,000, with listed aircraft ranging from roughly EUR 418,000 to EUR 1,300,000, reflecting age, hours, maintenance position and equipment fit.