Airbus Targets First Flight of U145 Unmanned Helicopter by Late 2026

Airbus Unveils U145 Unmanned Helicopter

According to НВ — Техно: Airbus aims to conduct the first flight of its U145 unmanned helicopter by the end of 2026, with entry into service planned for the early 2030s. The U145 is an unmanned variant of the H145, featuring a maximum takeoff weight of approximately 3,600 kg and a payload capacity of up to 1,133 kg. This helicopter lacks a pilot cabin and is designed for both civilian and military applications.

According to Airbus, the first U145 flight will include a safety pilot on board and is scheduled before the end of 2026. The company plans to introduce the U145 into operational service at the start of the next decade, in the 2030s. The U145 is described as a mission-independent solution primarily intended for transporting oversized cargo. It features front clamshell doors, a cargo platform, and a specialized cargo floor, while retaining the existing rear clamshell doors and side cabin doors of the H145.

Applications of the U145

Airbus also highlights the commercial applications of the U145, which include:

• disaster relief operations
• firefighting
• cargo transport
• remote resupply
• logistical support for offshore platforms and remote areas

In a military context, Airbus proposes the U145 for missions such as armed reconnaissance and surveillance. Additionally, the company plans to adapt the U145 as a drone mothership capable of carrying launch systems, collaborating with European missile manufacturer MBDA on a drone mothership concept.

'With the U145, we offer our customers an autonomous unmanned version of our H145 helicopter, combining the proven airframe, power, and payload of the H145 with the autonomy of an unmanned aerial vehicle.' Mathieu Louvot, CEO of Airbus Helicopters

Over 1,800 H145 helicopters are currently in service, including units operated in Ukraine. In comparison, the unmanned Lakota MQ-72C Lakota Connector variant has a maximum payload of approximately 4,000 pounds (1,824 kg), including external slung loads, while a through-cargo compartment configuration was adopted for the MQ-72C.

Airbus has also successfully tested the first unit of the A350-1000ULR airliner, which is the first of 12 aircraft ordered by Australian airline Qantas in 2022.

The development of the U145 unmanned helicopter by Airbus highlights the growing interest in autonomous aviation technologies, both in military and civilian sectors. The introduction of new unmanned systems could significantly transform approaches to logistics, rescue operations, and military missions, enhancing efficiency and safety. As the market for unmanned aerial vehicles continues to expand, competition among manufacturers like Airbus and others is likely to intensify, driving innovation and technological progress in this field.