Aircraft overview

The Airbus Helicopters H135 / EC135 is a light twin engine helicopter developed by Eurocopter, now Airbus Helicopters. The EC135 prototype first flew in 1994, with customer deliveries beginning in the mid 1990s, and the type remains in production as the H135. It is widely used for helicopter emergency medical services, law enforcement, offshore support, training, utility work and corporate transport. Its importance in the used market comes from a large global fleet, twin engine safety margins, a fenestron tail rotor and a cabin designed around quick reconfiguration.

Performance & specifications

Typical cruise speed is about 135 to 140 knots, depending on variant, weight and equipment. Published range for many configurations is roughly 330 to 340 nautical miles with standard fuel, again depending on mission fit and reserves. Maximum operating altitude is commonly listed at 20,000 feet. Later H135 P3 and T3 aircraft have a maximum takeoff weight of 6,415 lb, while earlier EC135 variants have lower limits. Useful load varies significantly with avionics, medical interiors, hoist equipment, air conditioning and mission kits, so individual weight and balance records are essential. Powerplants are either Pratt & Whitney Canada PW206 series engines on P variants or Safran Helicopter Engines Arrius 2B series engines on T variants, both managed by FADEC on later models.

Cabin & avionics

The cabin is typically arranged for one or two pilots and up to six or seven passengers, depending on seating layout and regulations. EMS interiors often carry one or two stretchers with medical crew access through wide side doors and rear clamshell doors. The flat floor, compact external dimensions and fenestron tail rotor are key reasons the type is popular for hospital pads, urban police work and confined sites. Avionics depend strongly on production year. Earlier EC135s commonly use the MEGHAS glass cockpit with central display systems and engine monitoring. Newer H135 aircraft can be equipped with Airbus Helionix, including a four axis autopilot on many aircraft. Garmin GTN navigators are common upgrades, but Garmin Perspective and G1000 are not the standard H135 cockpit architecture.

Buying & value

Used buyers should compare variant, engine family, maintenance status, component life, damage history, mission equipment and installed options rather than relying on airframe hours alone. Common versions include EC135 P1, T1, P2, T2, P2+, T2+, and the later H135 P3 and T3. Desirable upgrades may include Helionix avionics, performance upgrades, modern medical interiors, wire strike protection, weather radar, hoist provisions, NVG compatibility and updated navigation equipment. In the used market, the Airbus Helicopters H135 / EC135 sits as a premium light twin with strong institutional demand and broad parts and service support.