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\n Airbus H145 helicopters of the Hungarian Defense Forces<\/p>\n
\n Airbus H145 helicopters of the Hungarian Defense Forces<\/p>\n
At the ILA trade fair in Berlin, Airbus Helicopters is showcasing an unmanned version of the H145M helicopter, a type also operated by the Hungarian Air Force. The first flight of the new model\u2014initially with a pilot on board\u2014is expected to take place before the end of this year, while entry into service is anticipated at the beginning of the next decade.<\/p>\n
With the introduction of the U145, the unmanned variant of the H145M, Airbus Helicopters has taken a significant step toward autonomous aviation. As Vil\u00e1ggazdas\u00e1g <\/a>reports, the company is further strengthening its position in the European market for multi-purpose unmanned aerial systems (UAS).<\/p>\n \n \u201cThe U145 is an autonomous, unmanned version of our H145 helicopter that retains the proven rotor design, performance, and payload capacity of the H145,\u201d said Matthieu Louvot, CEO of Airbus Helicopters. \u201cTo further enhance the U145\u2019s multi-role UAS capabilities, we will collaborate with leading industry partners and continue to expand the European UAS ecosystem,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n Following the VSR700 helicopter drone, the H145 is the second Airbus helicopter platform to be converted into an unmanned aircraft.<\/p>\n The U145 will be equipped with a dedicated sensor suite and artificial intelligence enabling full autonomy. Compared with the manned H145, the U145 will not feature a physical cockpit and will incorporate significant modifications designed to increase payload capacity, including an integrated nose cargo door with a foldable loading platform and a specially designed cargo floor.<\/p>\n \n With a maximum take-off weight (MTOW) of 3,800 kilograms, the U145 has been designed as a versatile platform capable of supporting both civilian and military missions. Its modular architecture allows it to be deployed in disaster response, heavy-lift transport, firefighting operations, armed reconnaissance, surveillance missions, and even as a mothership for drones.<\/p>\n More than 100 helicopters from the H145 family are currently in service worldwide for military and civilian applications, including 19 aircraft operated by the Hungarian Defense Forces.<\/p>\n The global H145 fleet has accumulated more than 8.5 million flight hours.<\/p>\n Thanks to its exceptionally low noise footprint, the H145 is the quietest helicopter in its class, while its CO\u2082 emissions are also among the lowest compared with competing aircraft.<\/p>\n Related article<\/p>\n Defense Forces Reach Milestone with Handover of State-of-the-Art Hangar Complex<\/a>![\"Defense](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/netherlands\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/D__MJ20260323023-scaled-e1774434695515.jpg\")
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