Airbus Helicopters H120 Overview

Airbus Helicopters H120

The Airbus H120 is a 1.7-ton, lightweight, single-engine helicopter produced between 1995 and 2017. Its direct predecessor, the Eurocopter EC120 “Colibri” (Hummingbird), was transitioned to the Airbus Helicopters brand in 2014, along with the entire Eurocopter rotorcraft portfolio. During its production with both companies, more than 700 copies of the model were sold for light utility work, executive transport, training, and law enforcement roles. The rotorcraft underwent licensed production by Harbin Aircraft Manufacturing Corporation in China and was sold as the HC120 to the People’s Liberation Army and other Chinese entities.

The H120 was the only fully FAR/JAR 27-certified helicopter in its class throughout its production run, and it featured a dual-panel LCD glass flight deck. Its Fenestron tail rotor and Spheriflex main rotor head reduced noise levels to 6.7 dB below ICAO limits, making it the quietest helicopter in its class.

Performance

Power stems from a single Safran Arrius 2F engine generating 504 shaft horsepower. The H120 climbs at 1,150 feet per minute and achieves a maximum cruise speed of 150 knots and a maximum operating altitude of 20,000 feet (service ceiling is 17,000 feet). Maximum takeoff weight, standard useful load, and maximum cargo sling load are 3,781, 1,583, and 1,543 pounds, respectively. Standard fuel weight is 707 pounds. Range with no reserve at long-range cruise speed is 383 nautical miles.

Dimensions

In its executive transportation configuration, the aircraft seats four passengers and one pilot. The cabin’s flat floor allows for a multitude of other configurations, including law enforcement, surveillance, and training layouts with varying seating capacity and space for role-specific equipment. The aircraft measures roughly 11 feet tall and 31 feet long (fuselage only), with a 32.9-foot rotor diameter.