Russia clears H135 for lower operating temperature

17 H135s are operated in Russia (Photo by Airnbus Helicopters)

The Airbus Helicopters H135’s Russian airworthiness certificate has been amended, the manufacturer’s regional office Airbus Helicopters Vostok announced at HeliRussia 2017 exhibition that opens in Moscow today. The Russian Aviation Register lowered the minimum operating temperature of the H135’s new modification EC135 T3/EC135 P3 to -35°С, bringing it in line with the EASA certificate. The original Russian certificate restricted the minimum operating temperature to -25°С, Airbus Helicopters Vostok explained.

As of May 2017, there were 17 H135s flying in Russia. The manufacturer says the model is popular both with VIP customers and with commercial operators. Eight such helicopters are owned by Gaspromavia; Krasnodar-based helicopter operator PANH has three. Airbus Helicopters Vostok says work is in progress to obtain a Russian certificate for the H135’s new version with a Helionix avionics suite. The manufacturer officially premiered the innovative system in March 2017. The Airbus Helicopters section of HeliRussia features a Helionix demonstration stand. As reported earlier, the Helionix-equipped H135 is expected to be certified in Russia this year.

By Tatyana Volodina