The light-twin helicopter H135 received the type certificate by the European Aviation Safety Agency for its new Helionix cockpit. The avionics system designed by Airbus Helicopters offers operators increased mission flexibility and safety. Helionix is a family concept with standardised features and is already available on the H175 and H145.

Axel Humpert, Head of H135 Programme said: “The certification of the H135 with Helionix marks another milestone in the permanent evolution of this helicopter. The Helionix cockpit system with 4-axis autopilot significantly reduces the workload of the pilot and brings the H135 to an unrivalled level of safety due to the additional functions and mission features it adds to the H135's capability.”

Besides the 4-axis autopilot, Helionix offers an innovative cockpit layout which helps to increase situational awareness. Designed with three large electronic displays, the cockpit is Night Vision Goggle (NVG) compatible and includes a First Limit Indicator which highlights the appropriate engine instrument data for the pilot in one indicator. Thanks to two touchscreen GPS/Nav/Comm GTN-750, Helionix ensures an all-in-one GPS navigation and communication system. The Traffic Advisory System TAS620A, a system which improves flight safety by assisting pilots in detecting and avoiding aircraft intersecting their flight path, is another key feature delivered by the Helionix avionics suite.

Initial deliveries of the H135 with Helionix cockpit will occur in 2017. Among the first commercial operators will be Norsk Luftambulanse AS, a Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) operator. Ascent Flight Training, the UK Ministry of Defence's (MOD) appointed Training Service Partner delivering for the UK's Military Flying Training System (UKMFTS) selected Airbus Helicopters as the Aircraft Service Provider for the rotary wing element in May 2016. The UK MOD will be the first military customer.

The H135 is the unbeaten market leader in light, twin-engine, multi-purpose helicopters. Traditional missions for this class of helicopters include emergency medical services, law enforcement, VIP and business passenger transport, maintenance of industrial wind parks and military training.

Airbus Helicopters has delivered around 1,200 H135s to customers around the globe who have logged a total of more than four million flight hours.