From major tourist destinations to the busy airspace over cities, Airbus’ single-engine H130 (previously known as the EC130 T2) is in widespread use with sightseeing services, charter operators and emergency medical services, among others
A comfortable ride
The H130 is an intermediate single-engine helicopter tailored for passenger transport, sightseeing and VIP duties, as well as medical airlift and surveillance missions. As a multi-role rotorcraft, the H130 has a spacious cabin for a pilot and up to seven passengers. Depending on the configuration, it can carry up to two pilots, one stretcher and three to four medical crewmembers.
Among the H130’s enhancements are an active vibration control system and advanced environmental control; improved air conditioning; a cabin interior structure redesign with a fully flat floor; energy-absorbing seats and integration of a crash-resistant fuel system. A cockpit update for the rotorcraft brings an enhanced human-machine interface through the integration of Garmin’s G500H TXi glass cockpit with a synthetic vision system (SVS) and the helicopter terrain avoidance and warning system (HTAWS). A wireless connection automatically
transfers flight data at the end of each mission.
An efficient and powerful aircraft
The H130’s Fenestron® shrouded tail rotor and automatic variable rotor speed control contribute to this helicopter’s significantly reduced external sound level. With a noise signature 6 dB below ICAO limits, it is quieter than the most restrictive limits defined by the Grand Canyon National Park in the United States – a recognised benchmark for tourism operations.