Airbus U145 Turns a Proven Helicopter Into a Pilotless Cargo Machine

Airbus has unveiled a version of its popular H145 helicopter that flies completely without a pilot. The new U145 removes the cockpit to create space for cargo and mission equipment while adding full autonomy through sensors and artificial intelligence.

Designers at Airbus Helicopters began with the H145, a helicopter that has already been used in EMS, law enforcement, and offshore work across the world. They built on the core H145 structure, with the same twin engines and performance as the original. You can’t disagree with over 1,800 of these things flying about, as that’s 8 million plus hours of real-world testing, indicating the U145 has a solid base on which to build reliability.

Airbus made the most significant change in the front, removing the cockpit and installing large clamshell doors, a fold-down loading table, and a reinforced cargo deck while leaving the regular rear doors and side doors intact. This converts the nose of the vehicle into the main loading area, making it easy to transport large, heavy items in rugged or remote regions.

The power is still provided by two Safran Arriel 2E engines, although they are now fully digitally controlled. The maximum takeoff weight remains at 3,800 kg, and like with all H145s, it is known for being extremely quiet and environmentally friendly. The U145 relies only on sensors and artificial intelligence. Sensors send data into AI algorithms, allowing the aircraft to fly autonomously and complete any mission required. Airbus designed this thing without considering a human crew because the entire concept revolved around it flying on its own.

Cargo delivery is the primary use for both civilian and military users, but the modular design allows it to be utilized for disaster relief, firefighting, surveillance, and even armed scouting. Airbus is also considering employing the U145 as a “mothership” for launching air-launched effects with MBDA, and there is considerable work being done on crewed and uncrewed teaming.

This is the second time Airbus has converted a crewed helicopter into an unmanned system; the VSR700, based on the Cabri G2, has been operational with the French navy for some time. Lessons from that experiment helped them improve the U145 significantly. The first test flights will take place later in 2026, with a safety pilot on board, and it should be ready for operation in the early 2030s. Airbus will collaborate with some specialist partners to improve autonomous capabilities and expand the entire ecosystem for uncrewed aerial aircraft across Europe.
[Source]