The heavy-lift helicopter designed for the rigors of offshore exploration

Countries & Cities · Published 12 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Born from the 1973 oil crisis, the Eurocopter EC225 was engineered to reach the expanding frontiers of offshore energy. This twin-engined powerhouse offers high-speed transport and advanced safety systems, yet its history is marked by technical challenges and intense scrutiny from aviation regulators.

The EC225, later rebranded as the Airbus Helicopters H225, was developed as a next-generation civilian successor to the AS332 L2 Super Puma. Announced by Eurocopter in June 1998, the design introduced Spheriflex rotor technology and new Turbomeca Makila 2A turboshaft engines. These upgrades, alongside a redesigned main gearbox and integrated flight displays, were intended to increase speed, passenger comfort, and flight safety while reducing operating costs.

The aircraft's versatility is reflected in its four principal configurations: a passenger version for up to 28 people, a VIP lounge for 12, an emergency medical services (EMS) setup, and a search and rescue (SAR) configuration. In the cockpit, a full glass display system reduces pilot workload, allowing the aircraft to be ready for takeoff just three minutes after starting the sequence.

However, the aircraft's history has not been without controversy. In 2012, two aircraft were lost due to a cracking bevel gear shaft in the gearbox. This led to a grounding of Super Puma helicopters in the North Sea and a subsequent redesign of the transmission in 2013. Later, in 2016, an EASA emergency directive grounded 80 per cent of the worldwide fleet following a crash in Norway, though restrictions were eventually lifted in October 2016.

Despite these hurdles, the H225 remains a vital asset for offshore support and public service. Its production line is projected to continue through at least 2030, serving diverse roles from aerial firefighting in Japan and South Korea to VIP transport for the Algerian Ministerial Air Liaisons Group.

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