Airbus Helicopters Introduces the U145, an Unmanned Version of the H145 Dedicated to Cargo Transport
On Monday, Airbus Helicopters unveiled a fully autonomous version of its H145 helicopter, named U145, at the ILA Berlin Air Show. This unmanned aircraft, lacking a physical cockpit, is designed for cargo transport missions and military operations, with its inaugural flight scheduled for late 2026.
Strategic Conversion of the H145
The U145 utilizes the proven architecture of the existing H145, a helicopter currently deployed in over 1,800 units worldwide. This unmanned model incorporates a suite of specialized sensors and artificial intelligence to ensure full autonomy. According to Matthieu Louvot, CEO of Airbus Helicopters, the manufacturer 'offers its clients an autonomous, crewless version of the H145, combining the proven airframe, power, and payload capacity with the autonomy of an unmanned aerial system.' The U145 is the second piloted helicopter that Airbus has converted into an unmanned version, following the VSR700 derived from the Cabri G2. The maximum takeoff weight is set at 3,800 kg.
Major Adaptations for Cargo Transport
The U145 completely eliminates the physical cockpit and incorporates adaptations dedicated to cargo transport: an integrated front door with a foldable loading table and a dedicated cargo floor. Its modular architecture allows for adaptations to various roles such as disaster management, firefighting, armed reconnaissance, surveillance, as well as 'mothership' functions for drone launching. Airbus also envisions scenarios of human-machine cooperation in joint operations. The manufacturer plans an initial flight with a safety pilot by the end of 2026, followed by entry into service at the beginning of the next decade. Airbus also announces its intention to partner with leading autonomous partners to enrich the ecosystem of unmanned aerial systems in Europe.
American Variant for the US Marine Corps
In parallel, Airbus U.S. Space & Defense is developing in the United States the MQ-72C, a fully autonomous variant of the Lakota UH-72B, in partnership with Shield AI, L3 Harris, and Parry Lab, specifically tailored to meet the needs of the US Marine Corps.
