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Airbus H145 Joining Uncrewed Helicopter Arena
By: Matt Thurber
Caption: First flight is expected at the end of 2026 and entry into service in the early 2030s
Word Count: 243
Airbus Helicopters is unveiling the U145, an uncrewed version of the H145 light twin, this week at the ILA Berlin airshow. The U145 full-scale mockup at ILA will highlight the rotorcraft’s cargo-carrying capabilities, eliminating the cockpit and incorporating an integrated nose door, a foldable loading table, and a dedicated cargo floor.
To achieve uncrewed and autonomous flight, Airbus Helicopters is equipping the U145 with a specialized sensor suite and AI capabilities. Plans call for a first flight with a safety pilot on board at the end of 2026 and entry into service early in the 2030s.
The U145 will be Airbus Helicopters’ second uncrewed helicopter converted from a crewed version. The first is the VSR700, an uncrewed version of the piston-powered Guimbal Cabri G2.
A U.S. version of the U145 is also under development by Airbus U.S. Space & Defense with partners Shield AI, L3Harris, and Parry Labs. This will be the MQ-72C, an autonomous variant of the Lakota UH-72B.
“With the U145, we are offering our customers an autonomous, uncrewed version of our H145 helicopter, combining the proven airframe, power, and useful load of the H145 with the autonomy of a UAS,” said Airbus Helicopters CEO Matthieu Louvot. “To develop the U145 and its capabilities as a multi-mission UAS, we will be teaming up with leading autonomous mission partners to further expand the UAS ecosystem in Europe.”