Airbus Helicopters
Division of Airbus that designs, manufactures and supports a broad range of civilian and military helicopters; headquartered in Marignane, France, with major operations in Europe and production lines elsewhere.
Overview
Airbus Helicopters is the rotary‑wing division of the Airbus group, responsible for the design, production and global support of civil and military helicopters. With its headquarters in Marignane, France, the organisation offers machines for roles including emergency medical services, law enforcement, offshore transport, search and rescue, corporate and VIP travel, and armed forces operations. Its product range covers light single‑engine types, medium twin‑engine transports and larger multi‑role rotorcraft.
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History and organization
The company evolved from Eurocopter, a Franco‑German consolidation of helicopter activities, and was rebranded as Airbus Helicopters to align with the broader Airbus identity. It remains a core division of Airbus, combining design offices, manufacturing sites and a worldwide support network. Major operations and development centres are concentrated in France and Germany, while additional production and assembly lines serve other markets.
Notable models and programmes
Airbus Helicopters produces several widely used families of aircraft. Light types such as the AS350/H125 are popular for training and aerial work; medium twins like the H145 and larger types such as the H225 serve emergency medical, offshore and commercial transport roles. The company also manufactures military platforms, including the Tiger attack helicopter, and participates in multinational transport programmes through partnerships such as NHIndustries for the NH90.
Technology and innovation
Design emphasis has shifted toward advanced materials, aerodynamic efficiency and digital flight controls. Several models incorporate composite rotor blades, active vibration reduction and modern avionics suites. Airbus Helicopters has pursued experimental and high‑speed demonstrators to explore new propulsion concepts and reduce fuel burn and community noise, while retaining focus on safety and maintainability.
Manufacturing, support and global footprint
Principal design and production centres are in France and Germany, with additional final assembly lines and subcontracted production in other regions. The company maintains a global maintenance, training and spare‑parts network to support civil operators and armed forces. Local production partnerships and regional training centres help meet certification, logistics and service requirements worldwide.
Applications and customers
Operators range from small air ambulance providers and police services to large offshore operators and national militaries. Common mission types include search and rescue, medical evacuation, utility and aerial work, troop and logistics transport, and maritime patrol. The company competes internationally and participates in collaborative defence and civil programmes.
Further information and resources
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Author
AlegsaOnline.com Airbus Helicopters Leandro Alegsa
URL: https://en.alegsaonline.com/art/1677
Sources
- airbushelicopters.com : "History"