H225 Twin-Engine Helicopter

The Argentine Coast Guard received a H225 twin-engine helicopter in September 2015. Image: courtesy of Anthony Pecchi.

The H225 is powered by two Turbomeca Makila 2A1 engines. Image: courtesy of lasta29.

The H225 helicopter has a maximum speed of 324km/h. Image: courtesy of Opencage.

The Japan Coast Guard ordered five H225 helicopters by March 2015. Image: copyright Airbus Helicopters Japan Chikako HIRANO.

The H225 (formerly EC225) heavy twin-engine helicopter is the latest member of the Super Puma family developed by Eurocopter (now Airbus Helicopters). It is capable of handling search-and-rescue missions, both during the day and at night, under extreme weather conditions.

The helicopter can be modified to perform missions, such as coastal surveillance, law enforcement, port security, anti-disaster, and aid missions for coastal communities. The H225 made its first flight in November 2000.

H225 helicopter orders and deliveries

The Argentine Coast Guard received one H225 helicopter, which will be deployed for search-and-rescue operations in the Argentinean Sea in September 2015. The helicopter will be based in the city of Mar del Plata.

The Japan Coast Guard procured two H225 helicopters in 2006. Eurocopter signed a contract with the Japan Coast Guard to supply an additional three EC225 twin-engine helicopters in August 2011. The deliveries were concluded in March 2015.

In March 2012, Eurocopter was awarded a contract by the Japan Ministry of Defence for the supply of one H225.

Design and features of H225

The H225 helicopter features a sturdy, articulated five-blade main rotor and an anti-torque, four-blade tail rotor, Spheriflex fibreglass rotor head, and a tricycle landing gear. It can accommodate a pilot, a co-pilot, and up to 19 passengers.

The cabin has a multi-purpose integrated crashworthy floor to house large payloads. It is fitted with two jettisonable sliding plug doors, one rear step door and 12 jettisonable windows. It is installed with air-conditioning and enhanced soundproofing to facilitate comfortable seating for the occupants.

For search-and-rescue missions, the helicopter can be configured with searchlight, winch, rescue basket, sensors, global positioning system (GPS) / inertial navigation system (INS), sensors and forward looking infrared radar (FLIR).

The helicopter can carry two pilots and up to 12 passengers in executive / VIP configuration. It can accommodate two pilots, four crew members and up to 20 passengers or three stretchers.

Cockpit and avionics

The cockpit is equipped with state-of-the-art avionics and communication systems that deliver improved mission capability in all weather conditions. It has a four-axis, dual-duplex, autopilot, human-machine interface and an automatic flight control system (AFCS).

The enhanced ground proximity warning system (EGPWS) and traffic collision avoidance system (TCAS II) on-board provide terrain awareness and flight safety.

The cockpit features four 6in x 8in LCD multi-function displays and two 4in x 5in LCD vehicle monitoring displays for displaying the flight data. It is also fitted with an integrated standby instrument LCD for displaying speed, altitude and gyro horizon backup. The available power is displayed on the First Limit Indicator displays.

Safety features

The H225 helicopter is installed with an active anti-vibration control system to reduce the vibration levels. It uses an integrated maintenance assistance system (Health Usage Monitoring System) to perform data-recording and proactive monitoring for enhanced flight safety. It also incorporates a self-deployable emergency floatation device.

Engine and performance of H225 helicopter

Powered by two Turbomeca Makila 2A1 engines, the H225 delivers increased speed, long-range and endurance capabilities. Each engine is equipped with a dual-channel full authority digital engine control (FADEC) system and generates 2,380shp.

The transmission system consists of one main gearbox with a 30-minute dry run capability, one intermediate gearbox and a tail gearbox. It has a maximum take-off weight of 11,000kg, a useful load of 5,457kg, and a sling load of 4,750kg. Its standard and pod fuel tank capacities are 2,588l and 600l respectively.

The powerplant delivers a fast cruise speed of 262km/h and a maximum speed of 324km/h. The helicopter offers a maximum range of 1,135km and can endure for five hours and 38 minutes. It can fly at a maximum altitude of 6,095m and is certified to operate in icing conditions.