Airbus Helicopters has unveiled the U145, an uncrewed aircraft derived from the H145 light twin-engine helicopter, during the ILA Berlin Air Show.
The new aircraft expands Airbus' portfolio of uncrewed aerial systems and is designed for both civil and military missions. A first flight with a safety pilot on board is planned before the end of 2026, while entry into service is targeted for the beginning of the next decade.
The U145 is based on the H145 platform, one of Airbus Helicopters' highest-volume helicopter models, but removes the conventional cockpit in favor of autonomous flight systems. The aircraft will use a combination of sensors and artificial intelligence to perform missions without a pilot.
Airbus said the U145 is being developed primarily for cargo operations. Modifications include a nose-loading door, a foldable loading table and a dedicated cargo floor intended to facilitate freight transport.
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With a maximum takeoff weight of 3,800 kg, the aircraft is intended to support a wide range of missions. Airbus cited logistics, disaster relief, firefighting, surveillance and military operations among the potential applications.
The company also said the U145 could be used as a drone mothership capable of deploying airborne effects, an area being developed in partnership with missile manufacturer MBDA.
The program follows Airbus' earlier work on the VSR700, an uncrewed aircraft derived from the Cabri G2 helicopter. Unlike the VSR700, which is designed as a smaller rotary-wing drone, the U145 is based on a helicopter already widely used in civil, parapublic and military operations.
More than 1,800 helicopters from the H145 family are currently in service worldwide, accumulating over 8.5 million flight hours, according to the company. The type is powered by two Safran Arriel 2E engines and is used for missions ranging from emergency medical services and law enforcement to military transport and utility operations.
Airbus is also pursuing a similar concept in the United States through Airbus U.S. Space & Defense. The company, together with Shield AI, L3Harris and Parry Labs, is offering the MQ-72C, an autonomous variant of the UH-72B Lakota, to the U.S. Marine Corps.
