Airbus Helicopters H175M

The Airbus Helicopters H175, previously the Eurocopter EC175, is a medium size utility helicopter that is also built in China by AVIC as the AC352. The H175 was co-developed with China during the mid to late 2000s the first prototype flew in December 2009. The fuselage, trail and main rotor, fuel system, flight controls and landing gear for each helicopter are built by HAIG (a subsidiary of AVIC) whilst the remaining components are built by Airbus. The type has found some success as an offshore rig supply helicopter and is flown in the UK by CHC helicopters in this role. A military version call the H175M has also been proposed but has yet not received any orders.

The UK MoD are currently running their New Medium Helicopter (NMH) programme to source a single replacement type for the RAF's Pumas and Griffins plus the Army's Bell 212s and Dauphins. There are three helicopters which have reached the final stages of selection - the Leonardo AW149, the Sikorsky S-70i Blackhawk and the Airbus Helicopters H175M. Both Airbus and Leonardo have committed to build the RAFs helicopters in the UK however Sikorsky have not yet confirmed a production location. The decision on which type has been successful has recently been delayed.

Airbus Helicopters will be exhibiting their H175 demonstrator on static display at this year's Air Tattoo as part of their promotion of the helicopter for the NMH.

Photo Credit: Paul Fiddian

On display

Role
Static