How a hybrid design became the world's quietest utility helicopter

Countries & Cities · Published 2 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Engineers didn't start from scratch to build the EC145. By merging the cockpit of one aircraft with the rear section of another, they created a high-performance hybrid that delivers a 60% reduction in noise compared to its predecessor.

The development of the Eurocopter EC145—now known as the Airbus H145—was an exercise in strategic integration rather than a clean-sheet design. Engineers utilized the forward cockpit and modern avionics from the EC 135 and paired them with the proven rear section of the BK 117 C1. This hybrid approach, described by Flight International as being 90% a combination of these two existing models, allowed for significant upgrades in payload and range without reinventing the fundamental architecture.

Beyond structural efficiency, the aircraft introduced mechanical innovations to improve the pilot and passenger experience. The implementation of the variable rotorspeed and torque matching system (VARTOMS) helped achieve a noise signature significantly lower than the older BK 117 C1. Later updates, specifically the EC145 T2, introduced the Fenestron shrouded tail rotor and dual-digital Full Authority Digital Engine Controls (FADEC), further refining its performance for emergency medical services and corporate transport.

The aircraft's versatility is reflected in its global footprint and specialized variants. It serves roles ranging from the luxury Mercedes-Benz Style VIP edition to the UH-72 Lakota used by the United States National Guard, which operates nearly 500 units. The lineage has even pushed the boundaries of altitude; in 2019, an H145 set a record for twin-engine helicopters by landing on the 6,962-meter summit of Aconcagua.

Production remains a collaborative international effort. While the primary manufacturing site is in Donauwörth, Germany, a long-standing partnership with Kawasaki Heavy Industries ensures a 40% workshare for the Japanese manufacturer, covering the fuselage and electrical systems. This partnership, which was extended through at least 2025, has seen the H145 family grow to over 1,600 produced units as of June 2023.

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