Inside The $10 Million Airbus ACH135 Private Helicopter
0:00 - Intro
This is the Airbus ACH135, the luxurious version of the H135. Here is everything you need to know about the Airbus ACH135.
1:11 - Cabin
Stepping inside, the ACH135 offers a spacious interior.
The craftsmanship inside is extraordinary, with high-quality leather seats and tasteful fabric trims, complemented by state-of-the-art metallurgical accents.
The standard layout includes club-style seats for 4 passengers at the rear, and two individual seats upfront, directly behind the pilot.
Equipped with Fenestron shrouded tail rotors and advanced soundproofing materials, the helicopter maintains a noise level of around 82 decibels.
The ACH135 is equipped with a top-notch in-flight entertainment system that includes a variety of multimedia options, from music to video streaming, multiple charging ports, and an available Wi-Fi connection.
The aircraft comes with an efficient environmental control system that maintains a steady interior temperature, with a range from approximately 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit or 15 to 27 degrees Celsius. Additionally, the air filtration system is engineered to keep the air clean and odor-free.
On the practical side, the ACH135 provides ample storage space, with compartments built into the side panels and a rear baggage area that can accommodate around 88 cubic feet or 2,500 liters of cargo.
Finally, talking about safety features, the ACH135 comes standard with an array of safety features, such as impact-resistant seats and multiple redundancy systems across critical components.
3:54 - Cockpit
Stepping inside the cockpit, it features a spacious design with a width of approximately 5 feet 3 inches or 1.6 meters, accommodating 2 crew members, and offering a dual-pilot IFR capable layout with a side-by-side seating arrangement.
Constructed with high-grade composite materials and aviation-specific alloys, the cockpit exudes durability while minimizing weight. The finishes are utilitarian but of a high standard.
The avionics suite features the Helionix system, which comprises dual FADEC along with a four-axis autopilot system.
The Helionix system incorporates large multifunctional displays, typically featuring two 6x8-inch screens or optionally three screens.
The avionics suite comes equipped with VHF radios, GPS, and Instrument Landing System capabilities. An optional Traffic Collision Avoidance System and Terrain Awareness and Warning System and Satellite communication systems can also be included. The cockpit boasts a four-axis autopilot system.
Safety is accentuated in the H135 with features like the First Limit Indicator, which combines critical flight parameters into one easy-to-read display, and the integration of LED lights, offering adjustable brightness, which ensures that the cockpit remains illuminated.
In addition to ergonomic seating, the cockpit also features ample storage compartments for flight manuals, maps, and other essential gear. There are also multiple USB ports and electrical outlets.
6:27 - Engine, Performance Specs, and Flying Experience
Now, let’s talk about the engine, performance specifications, and how it flies. The ACH135 comes with a choice of two power plants: either the Safran Helicopter Engines Arrius 2B2Plus or the Pratt & Whitney Canada PW206B3. Both are turboshaft engines and have a solid reputation for performance and reliability. The Arrius 2B2Plus churns out a maximum takeoff power of 952 shaft horsepower, while the PW206B3 delivers up to 914 shaft horsepower. TBO for the Arrius 2B2Plus is rated at 4,000 hours, and for the PW206B3, it stands at 3,500 hours. These engines utilize FADEC for optimal performance and ease of operation, contributing to lower pilot workload and higher operational safety.
The engines allow a maximum rate of climb per minute of 1,640 feet or 500 meters, and a maximum cruising altitude of 20,000 feet or 6,100 meters. The aircraft has a maximum cruise speed of 137 knots, with an average hourly fuel burn of 125 gallons or 475 liters.
The helicopter has a maximum range of 342 nautical miles, which is 395 miles or 635 kilometers, with a useful load of 3,300 pounds or 1,500 kilograms.
8:20 - Purchase and Charter Price
The base purchase price for a new Airbus ACH135 is $10 million before options, and the charter price is estimated at $2,500 to $4,000 per hour. Naturally, prices will vary depending on availability, fuel prices, ground fees, and more.
8:38 - Operating Cost
While the annual fixed cost is roughly $200,000 to $300,000, the average hourly operating cost is estimated at $1,250 to $2,000.
8:50 - Outro
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