Airbus H140: designed by lifesavers

The H135 is recognised as a global leader for helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS). With this market a key target for the H140, gathering feedback and insight from experienced operators builds on the benchmark for the design and integration of many of the helicopter’s new features, as Stefan Bestle explains.

Around 3,000 helicopters fly HEMS operations around the world, over half of which are designed and built by Airbus. As a market leader, it stands to reason that the H135 is already an excellent option for medical missions. Though when conceptualising a brand-new helicopter geared towards the medical segment, the company wanted to go even further. The aim for the H140 is to create a modern, fully modular, versatile cabin that can be perfectly tailored for EMS operations and the crew, who dedicate their time to saving lives.

Getting the perfect fit

“We’ve been working with some of the biggest EMS operators in the world,” says Stefan Bestle, H140 Marketing Product Manager and Airbus Key Segment Manager for HEMS missions. Bestle worked closely and extensively with a range of medical operators to ensure their feedback fed into the development of the H140. “The H140 really reflects what the customer requires,” explains Bestle. “We did very specific workshops, meetings and interviews. They wanted the cabin size to be bigger and to improve the performance of the helicopter where possible,” explains Bestle, but it wasn’t a case where the customers simply wanted the biggest possible cabin. “Bigger also comes with some disadvantages. You have more downwash; you need more space to land. Our customers also want the helicopter to be compact. We feel we achieved the perfect balance, offering a long, wide and tall cabin but offering efficiency and agility.”

Access and ergonomics

Having achieved the perfect cabin size, the next priority was innovating the medical cabin— creating a more ergonomic workspace for the crew to perform their jobs. The cabin, featuring a HEMS floor, will offer operators flexibility and modularity. There will be the option to have the stretcher on the left or right-hand side, or even have two stretchers. Also high on the operator wish lists was easy access. “Together with the clients, we wanted to facilitate easier patient loading from the rear of the helicopter,” states Bestle. “Whether it is loading patients with CPR devices, roll-in stretchers, or those with specific stretcher bridges carrying medical devices in an upright position, there was an opportunity to improve access for all types of patients. The position of the tail boom has been raised, meaning there’s less necessity for the crew to duck down, and the horizontal stabiliser has been removed, eliminating an obstacle when rear loading. The whole rear door opening is bigger. We will have a straightedge loading edge, which is more comfortable when you do stretcher loading—and safer. The H140 will also have specific HEMS lighting systems, externally, in  the cabin and for loading,” says Bestle.

Putting the key in turnkey

In addition to the H140’s HEMS configurations, a fixed provision concept is being developed, which aims to both increase the efficiency of the helicopter and its delivery. “We are looking holistically at the overall equipped aircraft, not only the Airbus Helicopters part,” states Bestle. “We’re looking at the EMS equipment, which is usually installed later. By offering specific and modular mechanical and electrical HEMS provisions and lighting solutions, plus a dedicated HEMS floor, we will reduce the overall weight. But also by offering a turnkey solution, we are trying to reduce the time which is needed to do additional mass installations. The objective is for everything to be installed in our facilities, so the customer receives a helicopter fully-equipped for EMS.”