A Comprehensive Guide to Helicopters on the Market → 🚁

There is no doubt that helicopters play a critical role within various industries. From providing crew change services on offshore platforms to executing complex hoist operations and emergency medical services, the right helicopter can have a significant impact on the success and safety of the mission.

This article explores the leading helicopter models currently available on the market, highlighting their unique features and suitability for specific tasks. 

Introduction to the Section

Understanding the optimal helicopter models for different operations is crucial to ensure both operational success and safety. This section breaks down the helicopter market into three sections: helicopters for crew change, for helicopter hoist operations (HHO), and for helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS). 

Each section will briefly explore the specific needs of these operations and highlight the helicopter models that excel in meeting these requirements. 

For Crew Change 

For this specific task, the H175, AW139, AW189, and S92 are the preferred options. In short, these models are categorized by their capacity to transport large groups of people, handle substantial cargo loads, and perform long-distance flights.

For Helicopter Hoist Operations

In the case of HHO, the AW169 or H145 is typically chosen, while the H135 and AW139 are considered viable options. A key factor for helicopter hoist operations is safety, which in this case is determined by the power level of the helicopter. Additionally, factors such as cabin layout and rotor D are crucial.  

For Helicopter Emergency Medical Services

Here, we believe that the H135, H145, AW169 and AW139 are optimal. During these services, it is, however, important to consider the capabilities of the HEMS; is the goal to treat or stabilize the patient? 

The Different Helicopter Models and their Features:

AW169:

The AW169 is a next-generation light-intermediate helicopter that offers top-tier performance, range, and safety. The helicopter is designed for life-saving primary and secondary missions, and rescue services, providing rapid emergency response and long-distance transport. 

With the largest cabin in its class, the AW169 offers exceptional flexibility, accommodating two stretchers and advanced life-support equipment. Its wide sliding doors and spacious cabin ensure easy access to patients, while its large baggage compartment stores additional equipment. 

Building on the success of the AW139, the AW169 meets the high standards set for offshore operations, carrying up to eight passengers both safely and comfortably. The helicopter’s advanced systems ensure safe flying and ease of operation for pilots, with its design offering excellent visibility, smooth handling and low vibrations, which enhances comfort and reduces crew fatigue.

AW139

The AW139, also known as the Leonardo AW139, is expertly equipped for offshore missions, offering superior payload, range, speed and single-engine performance to ensure maximum operational productivity and efficiency. While maintaining exceptional performance, it offers a safe and comfortable travel environment, and does so even in extreme temperatures and adverse weather conditions. 

Its spacious and versatile cabin can carry up to 15 passengers (configured for 12 passengers and two pilots), and can quickly be reconfigured for medical evacuation with dedicated EMS equipment. Additionally, the AW139 excels in a wide range of security operations within confined or congested areas, and can easily transition to roles in disaster relief, humanitarian efforts, and parapublic missions. 

The AW139 is a member of the AW-family of advanced helicopters, sharing key design principles, safety features, and high performance capabilities with the AW169 and AW189. 

AW189

The AW189 is a multi-mission helicopter designed for demanding operations, offering outstanding payload and range with cutting-edge technology. It sets the standard for long-range missions, being capable of performing in all weather conditions, day and night alike, with high speed and excellent performance. 

The helicopter features a spacious cabin, in fact the widest in its class, typically configured with 16 seats but offering a high-density 19-seat option. Moreover, the cabin can be swiftly reconfigured for MEDEVAC operations, as the helicopter features large sliding doors and a spacious baggage compartment, which is accessible externally from both sides. 

It is the only super-medium helicopter with both Full Ice Protection (FIPS) and Limited Ice Protection (LIPS) Systems, which enable operations in even the toughest weather conditions. 

H135

Renowned for its endurance, compact build, low noise levels, reliability, versatility, and cost-efficiency, the H135 leads the lightweight rotorcraft category with the lowest operating and maintenance costs among twin-engine helicopters. It excels in emergency medical services with various dedicated interiors, ample room for patient care, and easy accessibility for emergencies like CPR.

It performs a wide range of missions, being able to fly in both high and hot conditions, and land almost everywhere, while carrying a great payload over longer distances. The H135 offers top safety standards and cost-efficiency, hence its the ideal choice for the growing environmental energy market. In fact, it is the reference aircraft for offshore energy, powerline maintenance, and harbor piloting. 

Subsequently, the H135 was the first helicopter to perform hoist operations for offshore wind energy missions and now leads the largest offshore wind farm fleet, combining compact size, advanced safety standards, and versatile mission equipment to meet modern operational demands.

H145

The H145 is a highly versatile helicopter, accommodating one or two pilots and up to eight passengers in the standard configuration, or up to 10 passengers in a high-density set up. With over 400 optional equipment items available, the H145 is ideal for emergency medical services, law enforcement, aerial work, passenger transportation, and offshore operations. 

In 2020, the H145 was updated with a five-bladed main rotor, significantly improving its useful load capacity, while the reduced D-value allows for landing in more confined areas, making it perfect for challenging EMS and public service missions. Moreover, the new rotor design enhances smoothness and flight comfort while simplifying maintenance, thus increasing the helicopter’s availability rate. 

For offshore wind energy operations, the H145 can accommodate two teams of three technicians and their equipment, offering excellent hover and one-engine inoperative (OEI) performance for safe hoisting. 

H175

Since its introduction in 2015, this helicopter has been characterized by its exceptional range, smooth flight qualities, and unparalleled comfort. This aircraft is designed to perform a variety of tasks, including offshore crew changes, law enforcement, search and rescue (SAR), helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS), private and business aviation, and government VVIP transport. 

The H175 is known for its record-setting capabilities, including a remarkable time-to-climb record of 6,000 meters in just 6 minutes and 4 seconds. It accommodates 1-2 pilots and up to 18 passengers, ensuring fast, smooth, and comfortable travel. Additionally, it excels in long-range missions with a fast cruise speed and significant payload capacity. 

S92

The S92 helicopter, produced by Sikorsky Aircraft, excels in various missions such as offshore energy transportation, search and rescue, and airline services. It accommodates up to 19 passengers in its standard configuration and up to 16 in VIP setup, with a maximum takeoff weight of 26,500 lb (12,020 kg). 

This medium-lift utility helicopter can operate at altitudes up to 14,000 ft, cruising at 150 knots with a range exceeding 500 nautical miles, and achieve a top speed of 165 knots.  

Conclusion: The Importance of Choosing the Right Helicopter 🚁

In conclusion, selecting the appropriate helicopter for specific operations is paramount for achieving optimal performance and safety. Each category of operation - whether that is crew change, helicopter hoist operations, or helicopter emergency medical services - demands unique features and capabilities from the helicopters used. 

As emphasized at DECK1, understanding the specific features and capabilities of each helicopter model is essential for making informed decisions that align with specific operational requirements. Selecting the most suitable helicopters for each mission type not only improves operational effectiveness but also ensures the highest level of service and safety in every scenario. 

Do not hesitate to reach out to and connect with DECK1 for more information - we’re available on Linkedin, on (+45) 6012 5244, or sales@deck1.com.