The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has awarded type certification for Airbus Helicopters’ new Helionix avionics system, which will be equipped with H135 light, twin-engine, multi-purpose helicopter.

Designed to provide additional mission flexibility and safety to operators, Helionix includes standardised features and has already been used on-board Airbus’ H175 and H145 helicopters.

Deliveries of H135 with the Helionix cockpit system are scheduled by next year, with helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) operator Norsk Luftambulanse being the first commercial operator of the variant.

The UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) will be the first military customer to use the H135 helicopters equipped with Helionix system.

Airbus Helicopters H135 programme head Axel Humpert said: “The certification of the H135 with Helionix marks another milestone in the permanent evolution of this helicopter.

“The certification of the H135 with Helionix marks another milestone in the permanent evolution of this helicopter."

“The Helionix cockpit system with four-axis autopilot significantly reduces the workload of the pilot and brings the H135 to an unrivalled level of safety due to the additional functions and mission features it adds to the H135’s capability.”

Capable of conducting four-axis autopilot operation, Helionix features three electronic displays, night-vision goggle (NVG) compatible cockpit and a first limit indicator, which provides proper engine instrument data for the pilot in one indicator.

Two touchscreen GPS/Nav/Comm GTN-750 systems are also included in Helionix in order to ensure an all-in-one GPS navigation and communication system.

The TAS620A traffic advisory system featured in Helionix improves flight safety by assisting pilots in detecting and avoiding aircraft intersecting their flight path.

Airbus Helicopters has so far delivered nearly 1,200 H135s to customers worldwide.

Image: H135 Helionix cockpit. Photo: courtesy of Airbus Helicopters.