Aircraft overview

The Airbus Helicopters H175 is a medium twin engine helicopter in the 7 tonne class, originally known as the Eurocopter EC175. It first flew in December 2009, received EASA certification in 2014 and entered service the same year. Production continues under Airbus Helicopters. The type was developed for offshore energy transport, search and rescue, public service and executive missions, with a design emphasis on long overwater sectors, high passenger capacity and modern systems integration. For buyers, it matters because it is a newer generation alternative to legacy medium helicopters, with a comparatively young fleet and mission equipment often tailored to demanding commercial operations.

Performance & specifications

• Typical cruise speed: about 150 knots, depending on weight, altitude and configuration.
• Range: published range is up to about 630 nautical miles in long range configuration.
• Useful load: approximately 7,000 lb, subject to equipment fit, interior and certified weight option.
• Ceiling: maximum operating altitude is commonly published at 20,000 feet.
• Powerplant: two Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6C 67E turboshaft engines with dual channel FADEC.

The H175 has a five blade main rotor and a canted tail rotor, with systems designed for Category A performance and offshore operating profiles.

Cabin & avionics

In airline style offshore layout, the H175 typically seats up to 16 passengers plus crew, although executive, search and rescue and utility interiors differ significantly. The cabin has a flat floor, large sliding doors and baggage capacity suited to crew transport and mission equipment. Noise and vibration levels are lower than many older medium twins, an important factor for long sectors.

The standard flight deck uses Airbus Helicopters Helionix avionics, not Garmin Perspective or G1000. The suite includes large multifunction displays, engine and systems monitoring, synthetic vision capability on equipped aircraft, a four axis autopilot and integrated warning management. Many aircraft also carry HUMS, weather radar, satellite tracking and offshore specific navigation or flotation equipment.

Buying & value

Used Airbus Helicopters H175 availability is limited compared with older medium twins, since the fleet is relatively young and many examples remain with operators on long term contracts. Buyers should review total time, engine cycles, gearbox status, component life limits, HUMS records, corrosion exposure, flotation gear, hoist installations and compliance with Airbus service bulletins and airworthiness directives.

Common market configurations include offshore transport, search and rescue and VIP layouts. Value is influenced strongly by mission equipment, remaining component life, engine program status and whether the aircraft has the higher weight option. In the used market, the H175 usually sits as a modern medium helicopter for operators needing more capability than light twins, while avoiding the size and operating profile of heavy offshore types.