Airbus and Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) have officially joined forces to manufacture the H125 helicopter in India at a brand-new facility located in Vemagal, Karnataka. This initiative, first announced in January 2024, represents a significant milestone as it establishes the country’s first privately operated rotary-wing aircraft assembly line.
The facility, positioned strategically near Bengaluru, aims to serve both domestic markets and exports to countries across South Asia, with initial deliveries anticipated in early 2027. The Airbus H125, recognized globally for its versatility, is utilized for various applications, including medical flights, disaster response, tourism, policing, and passenger transportation. Furthermore, the tactical variant of the helicopter, known as the H125M, is set to be offered to the Indian Armed Forces for specialized high-altitude operations, particularly in the challenging terrains along the Himalayan frontier.
The new assembly plant in Karnataka will be responsible for the assembly, integration, testing, and final flight trials of the H125 helicopters. Airbus currently capitalizes on the Indian manufacturing sector by sourcing approximately $1.4 billion in parts and services annually from local suppliers, which include components like fuselages, aircraft doors, and helicopter cabins. Airbus has established a significant presence in India that spans over six decades, beginning with the licensed production of the Cheetah and Chetak helicopters by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. The H125M is projected to gradually replace these older models.
Expressing optimism about the collaboration, Jürgen Westermeier, president and managing director of Airbus India and South Asia, remarked that “India is an ideal helicopter country.” He emphasized that a “Made in India” helicopter is pivotal in developing the market and reinforces the helicopter’s significance as a tool for nation-building. TASL’s chief executive, Sukaran Singh, echoed this sentiment, highlighting that this collaboration not only fulfills civil needs but also strengthens defense capabilities. This venture continues the momentum of previous collaborative projects with New Delhi, including the establishment of a C295 transport aircraft facility in Gujarat.
The specifications of the Airbus H125 reveal its operational capabilities. Designed to accommodate a crew of two pilots and up to six passengers, the helicopter has a useful load capacity of 1,075 kilograms (2,370 pounds) and a standard fuel tank capacity of 435 kilograms (959 pounds). With a length of 13 meters (43 feet) and a main rotor diameter of 11 meters (36 feet), the H125 is powered by a Safran Helicopter Engines Arriel 2D engine producing 952 horsepower. It can operate at maximum altitudes of 7,010 meters (22,999 feet), reach a top speed of 252 kilometers (157 miles) per hour, and boasts a range of 630 kilometers (391 miles) with endurance exceeding four hours.
As part of Airbus’ Ecureuil family of helicopters, the H125 has accrued over 40 million flight hours globally and is known for its resilience in extreme conditions. Notably, it remains the only helicopter to have successfully landed on Mount Everest, underscoring its remarkable capabilities in challenging environments.
