View source for Eurocopter EC135

{{short description|Small utility helicopter}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2019}}
{{Use British English|date=March 2023}}
<!-- This article is a part of [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Aircraft]]. Please see [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Aircraft/page content]] for recommended layout, and guidelines. -->
{{Infobox aircraft
| name = EC135<br>H135
| image = File:EC-135 - RIAT 2011 (6199185182).jpg
| caption = An EC135T2 used by the [[National Police Air Service]] for England & Wales
| alt = Close up of blue and yellow helicopter hovering
| type = Light [[utility helicopter]]
| national_origin = Multinational
| manufacturer =[[Airbus Helicopters]] (Since 2014)<br> [[Eurocopter]] 
| designer = 
| first_flight = 15 February 1994
| introduction = 1996
| retired = 
| status = In service
| primary_user = 
| more_users = 
| produced = 1995–present
| number_built = 1400 (Sep. 2020)<ref name=Airbus29jan2018/>
| developed_from = [[MBB Bo 105]]
| variants = [[Eurocopter EC635]]
}}

The '''Airbus Helicopters H135''', formerly '''Eurocopter EC135''', is a twin-engine civil light [[utility helicopter]] produced by [[Airbus Helicopters]]. It is capable of flight under [[instrument flight rules]] (IFR) and is outfitted with a digital automatic flight control system (AFCS). First flying in February 1994, it entered service in 1996. 1,400 have been delivered up to September 2020, to 300 operators in 60 countries, accumulating over 5 million flight hours. It is mainly used for [[Air medical services|air medical transport]] ([[Medical evacuation|medevac]]), corporate transport, law enforcement, offshore wind support, and military flight training. Half of them are in Europe and a quarter in North America. The H135M, certified under the name [[Eurocopter EC635]], is a military variant, so the overall design is known as the Airbus Helicopters H135 and the military version, as the  Airbus Helicopters H135M. The EC135/H135 is a development of the  earlier [[MBB Bo 105|Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm (MBB) Bo 105]].

==Development==

===Origins===
The H135 started development prior to the formation of Eurocopter, under [[Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm]] (MBB) under the designation Bo 108 in the 1970s. MBB developed it in partnership with [[Aérospatiale]], the Bo 108 was initially intended to be a technology demonstrator, combining attributes of the successful [[MBB Bo 105]] with new advances and an aerodynamically streamlined design.<ref name="pope">Pope, Stephen. [http://www.flyingmag.com/aircraft/helicopters/eurocopter-ec-135 "Eurocopter EC 135"]. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210420223830/https://www.flyingmag.com/aircraft/helicopters/eurocopter-ec-135/ |date=20 April 2021 }} ''Flying'', 18 May 2012.</ref><ref name="Benenson">Benenson, Tom. [https://books.google.com/books?id=3bYAtMRVj0cC&pg=PA86 "The EC135: Melding form & Function"]. ''Flying'', April 2004. Vol. 131, No. 4. pp.&nbsp;86–91.</ref> Technologies included on the Bo&nbsp;108 included the first full-authority digital engine controls ([[FADEC]]) on a helicopter, a hingeless main rotor, and the adoption of a new transmission.<ref name="pope"/> The first prototype made its first flight on 17 October 1988, powered by two [[Allison Engine Company|Allison]] [[Rolls-Royce Model 250|250-C20R]]/1 engines. A second Bo&nbsp;108 followed in June 1991, this time with two [[Turbomeca]] TM319-1B Arrius engines. Unlike later production aircraft, both technology demonstrators flew with conventional tail rotors.<ref name="autogenerated1"/>

[[File:MBB Bo 108.jpg|thumb|A Bo 108 prototype]]

In the late 1990s, the design was revised with the introduction of the ''[[Fenestron]]'' tail rotor system, an advanced rigid main rotor, composite materials, and resonance isolation systems.<ref name="pope"/> It was decided to pursue a full certification program, resulting in the production of two pre-production prototypes. At the same time, the Bo 108 was given a new designation of EC135, to correspond with the newly created Eurocopter company.<ref name="pope"/> At this point, it was decided that the EC135 should be developed with the option of being powered by two competing engines, the [[Turbomeca Arrius]] 2B and the [[Pratt & Whitney Canada PW206B]] engines. Two pre-production prototypes were built in 1994 powered by either engine, both powerplants proved to be successful and were used on subsequent production aircraft.<ref name="Benenson"/>

In January 1995, the EC135 made its first public appearance at the Heli-Expo convention at [[Las Vegas, Nevada|Las Vegas]], at which prospective buyers were reportedly impressed with its appearance and performance figures.<ref name="pope"/> Another feature which became apparent upon entering service was the low noise levels produced, in part due to its Fenestron tail, the EC135 was the quietest aircraft in its class for more than 15 years.<ref name="pope"/> Despite the helicopter's design being primarily oriented towards emergency medical operators, the EC135 had considerable appeal to a wide range of operators.<ref name="pope"/> European [[Joint Aviation Authorities|JAA]] certification was achieved in June 1996, with [[FAA]] approval following in July.<ref name="Benenson" />

In December 1999, the EC135 was granted single-pilot IFR (SPIFR) certification by Germany's [[Luftfahrt-Bundesamt]] (LBA). In December 2000, the United Kingdom's [[Civil Aviation Authority (United Kingdom)|Civil Aviation Authority]] also gave the EC135 SPIFR certification.<ref>Rimmer, David. [https://web.archive.org/web/20150531164954/http://connection.ebscohost.com/c/articles/3999599/ec-135-gains-single-pilot-certification "EC 135 Gains Single-Pilot Certification"]. ''Business & Commercial Aviation'', January 2001, Vol. 88 Issue 1. p. 17.</ref>

===Further development===
[[File: Eurocopter EC135P1 of Western Power Distribution (G-WPDD) leaves Bristol Airport, England 15Aug2016 arp.jpg|thumb|A Eurocopter EC135P1 of [[Western Power Distribution]] leaves [[Bristol Airport]], 2016]]
In 2000, Eurocopter announced the start of certification work on the EC135P2, powered by the [[Pratt & Whitney Canada]] PW206B2, offering improved single-engine performance and 30-second emergency power. The [[Luftfahrt-Bundesamt|LBA]] certification was achieved in July 2001, and the first EC135 with the new engines was handed over to the [[Swedish Police Authority]] in August 2001.<ref name="ben 89">Benenson 2004. p. 89.</ref> In September 2002, the EC135T2 equipped with the improved Turbomeca Arrius 2B2 was made available, providing for improved single-engine performance.<ref name="ben 89"/>

In 2002, the EC135 active control technology demonstrator/flying helicopter simulator (ACT/FHS), a research aircraft designed to test [[fibre optic]]-based flight control systems, undertook its first flight.<ref>[http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/fly-by-light-ec135-helicopter-makes-first-flight-142313/ "Fly-by-light EC135 helicopter makes first flight"]. ''Flight International'', 5 February 2002.</ref> In 2014, Airbus Helicopters began flying the Bluecopter demonstrator aircraft, built to explore more efficient design elements, including economy-optimised single-engine operations, Blue Edge swept rotor blades to reduce noise and increase efficiency, a relocated horizontal stabilizer outside the main rotor's downwash, an active rudder, and new water-based external paint; these changes were aimed at cutting fuel consumption by 40%.<ref>Dubois, Thierry. [http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2015-07-07/airbus-helicopters-unveils-bluecopter-demonstrator "Airbus Helicopters Unveils Bluecopter Demonstrator"]. ''AIN Online'', 7 July 2015.</ref> In December 2014, the single-engine operations portion of the Bluecopter tests were delayed to summer 2016 to make necessary avionics changes, such as to the engine's [[FADEC]] systems.<ref>Perry, Dominic. [https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/bluecopter-flights-end-without-tests-of-single-engin-419649/ "Bluecopter flights end without tests of single-engine operation"]. ''Flight International'', 2 December 2015.</ref>

In March 2007, at the NBAA  in [[Atlanta]], Eurocopter unveiled '''L'Hélicoptère par Hermès'', a special-edition VIP model designed by [[Hermès|Hermès International, S.A.]] It features a customized luxury four-place main cabin, a sliding glass partition, a corporate baggage hold, redesigned skid landing gear and other external changes. The launch customer for the type is Falcon Aviation Services (FAS), based in [[Abu Dhabi]], United Arab Emirates.<ref>[http://www.businessjetinteriorsinternational.com/news.php?NewsID=12121 "Eurocopter and Hermès deliver first EC135 'l'Hélicoptère par Hermès'"]. ''Business Jet Interiors International'', Retrieved: 31 May 2015.</ref> In July 2014, Airbus Helicopters made further personalization options available for the EC135 l'Helicoptere par Hermes.<ref>Wynbrandt, James. [http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/2014-07-16/web-extra-more-personalization-options-hermes-ec135 "Web Extra: More Personalization Options for Hermes EC135"]. ''AIN Online'', 16 July 2014.</ref>

In 2011, Eurocopter formalised a license manufacturing agreement with Zhong-Ou International Group to produce the EC135 luxury helicopter in [[Zhejiang]] Province, China.<ref name="AirForceWorld.com_EC135_helicopter_China_licensed_built">{{cite web |url=http://airforceworld.com/pla/english/ec135-helicopter-china-eurocopter.html |title=EC135 Helicopter to be built in China |access-date=18 July 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=http://archive.wikiwix.com/cache/20110719110644/http://airforceworld.com/pla/english/ec135-helicopter-china-eurocopter.html |archive-date=19 July 2011}}</ref> In October 2015, a letter of intent between Airbus Helicopters and Ecopark was signed for the establishment of a final assembly line (FAL) in [[Qingdao]] Province, China. A related $1.1 billion order for 100 Chinese-assembled H135s was announced in the same month.<ref>[https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-10-30/airbus-helicopter-signs-china-deal-worth-more-than-1-billion "Airbus Helicopter Signs China Deal for More Than $1b"]. ''Bloomberg'', 30 October 2015.</ref> The majority of assembly work on the type remains at Airbus Helicopter's [[Donauwörth]] facility.<ref>Perry, Dominic. [https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/h135-helicopters-due-for-china-assembly-418436/ "H135 helicopters due for China assembly"]. ''Flight International'', 30 October 2015.</ref> Construction of the FAL started in May 2017,<ref>{{cite press release |url=http://www.airbushelicopters.com/website/en/press/Airbus-Helicopters-breaks-ground-on-first-helicopter-assembly-line-in-China_2116.html |title=Airbus Helicopters breaks ground on first helicopter assembly line in China |date=27 May 2017 |publisher=Airbus Helicopters}}</ref> and opened for production in April 2019.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Pittaway |first=Nigel |title=China's H135 final assembly line |magazine=[[Air International]] |date=June 2019 |volume=96 |issue=6 |page=117 |issn=0306-5634}}</ref>

In January 2016, the Ural Works of Civil Aviation (UWCA), a division of [[Rostec]], signed an agreement to build the H135 under licence at the firm's facility in [[Yekaterinburg]], Russia.<ref>Gerden, Eugene. [http://www.verticalmag.com/news/article/Russias-Ural-Works-of-Civil-Aviation-to-start-licensed-production-of-H135s "Russia's Ural Works of Civil Aviation to start licensed production of H135s"]. ''Vertical'', 28 January 2016.</ref><ref>Korsunskaya, Darya. [https://web.archive.org/web/20160129054300/http://uk.reuters.com/article/russia-airbus-group-idUKR4N15401Q "Russia signs license agreement on producing Airbus H135 helicopters in Russia"]. ''Reuters'', 25 January 2016.</ref> In May 2016, it was reported that Russian production of the H135 was anticipated to begin in 2017, following the receipt of Russian [[type certification]]. Russian manufacturers may be incorporated in the global supply chain.<ref>[http://tass.ru/en/economy/875556 "Airbus Helicopters plans to start producing H135 helicopters in Russia in 2017"]. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181119173451/http://tass.ru/en/economy/875556 |date=19 November 2018 }} ''TASS'', 13 May 2016.</ref>

Two variants, the EC135 T3 and EC135 P3, were developed with improved high altitude and hover performance.{{citation needed|date=July 2017}} Changes include repositioned air intakes to the engines, wider blades being installed on the main rotor, and changes to the fenstron anti-torque tail device. The EC135 T3 was introduced to service in December 2014.<ref name="engineer 2014">Nathan, Stuart. [https://web.archive.org/web/20150321081736/http://www.theengineer.co.uk/blog/helicopters-give-latest-technologies-a-whirl/1019627.article "Helicopters give latest technologies a whirl"]. ''The Engineer'', 12 December 2014.</ref>

In December 2020, the H135 helicopter family EASA has certified a new Alternate Gross Weight (AGW). With the new AGW, the maximum takeoff weight has been increased up to 265&nbsp;lb (120&nbsp;kg) and payload. This modification can be used to increase range by up to 75&nbsp;nm or endurance by up to 40 minutes under standard conditions. The new AGW is available as an option and can be applied retroactively to all Helionix-equipped H135s.<ref name="Airbus17Dec20">{{Cite web|url=https://www.airbus.com/newsroom/press-releases/en/2020/12/Airbus-Helicopters-boosts-mission-capabilities-of-H135-helicopters.html|title=Airbus Helicopters boosts the mission capabilities of its H135 helicopters|publisher=Airbus |date=17 December 2020|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210308125902/https://www.airbus.com/newsroom/press-releases/en/2020/12/Airbus-Helicopters-boosts-mission-capabilities-of-H135-helicopters.html|archive-date=8 March 2021|url-status=live}}</ref>

In December 2020, Airbus certified a new single-pilot IFR Helionix cockpit for its H135 helicopters. The modified cockpit allows customers to choose whether to remove the copilot side of the instrument panel to increase the field of view or keep it to install specific STC equipment.<ref name="Airbus17Dec20"/>

==Design==
[[File:Christoph2-cockpit.jpg|thumb|The cockpit of an EC135, May 2008]]

The H135 is a twin-engine rotorcraft. It can be alternatively powered by a pair of [[Turbomeca Arrius]] 2B or [[Pratt & Whitney Canada PW206B]] engines, dependent on customer's preference, which gives either a T or a P, respectively, in the variant name.<ref name="Benenson"/><ref name="pope"/> The main rotor is of a four-bladed, [[Helicopter rotor#Rigid|hingeless]] fiber-composite design. Progressive improvements to the main rotor have increased its performance and reduced maintenance costs since the type's introduction.<ref name="engineer 2014" /> The EC135 is the quietest helicopter in its class, featuring an anti-[[resonance]] isolation system to dampen vibration from the main rotor.<ref name="ben 89" /> The type's Fenestron anti-torque device can be actively regulated via a HI NR rotor optimization mode, which provides for greater controllability during higher weight take-off and landings.<ref name="pope" /> It is capable of performing Category A operations throughout its full flight envelope.<ref name="civil broch">[http://www.airbushelicopters.com/website/docs_wsw/RUB_30/tile_2644/H135-BR-0515E.pdf "Civil: H135"]. ''Airbus Helicopters'', Retrieved: 16 November 2015.</ref>

The EC135 can be equipped with either a conventional flight deck or the Avionique Novelle [[glass cockpit]] – the latter allows for single pilot [[instrument flight rules]] operation.<ref name="ben 89-90"/> The glass cockpit is equipped with several [[liquid-crystal display]]s, including two Sextant SMD45 displays and a central panel display.<ref name="pope" /> The main avionics suite is supplied by [[Thales Group]]. The EC135 can be outfitted with various avionics suites from manufacturers such as Russian firm Transas Aviation and British firm Britannia 2000.<ref>[http://www.forceindia.net/IndustrySepnews29.aspx "Eurocopter shows the capability of its helicopters at MAKS 2011"]. {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924014523/http://www.forceindia.net/IndustrySepnews29.aspx |date=24 September 2015}} ''Force'', September 2012.</ref><ref>[http://www.shephardmedia.com/news/rotorhub/camc-selected-npas-ec135-mission-system/ "CAMC selected as NPAS EC135 mission system"]. ''Shepard Media'', 17 November 2014.</ref>

The newer H135 model can be equipped with a four-axis autopilot, which is included as part of the Helionix avionics suite. This suite provides the H135 with a greater level of commonality with several other Airbus Helicopters-produced rotorcraft, including the H145, [[Airbus Helicopters H160|H160]] and [[Airbus Helicopters H175|H175]].<ref>Perry, Dominic. [https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/h135-gains-helionix-avionics-suite-417467/ "H135 gains Helionix avionics suite"]. ''Flight International'', 7 October 2015.</ref> Earlier versions of the EC135 were equipped with a three-axis autopilot with integrated stability augmentation,<ref name="pope" /> featuring a First Limit Indicator (FLI), simplifying engine and torque monitoring.<ref name="ben 89-90" /> Cockpit [[touch screen]]s can be optionally installed.<ref name="civil broch" />

[[File:Eurocopter EC 135 P2.jpg|thumb|An EC135 of the German [[Landespolizei|Brandenburg State Police]]]]

Various cabin and cockpit configurations are available for the EC135, depending on the role performed and the operator's preferences. It can hold up to five passengers and a pilot when configured with a standard executive interior, or seven passengers in a dense corporate interior.<ref name="pope"/> [[Modularity|Modular]] multi-role interiors that allow the main cabin area to be quickly changed and re-equipped are available.<ref name="civil broch"/><ref name="ben 89-90">Benenson 2004. pp. 89–90.</ref> The main cabin of the EC135 is accessed either by large doors on either side of the cabin or by clamshell doors located at the rear of the cabin, directly underneath the aircraft's tail boom. The clamshell doors are particularly attractive to emergency medical services (EMS) and cargo operators.<ref name="ben 89-91">Benenson 2004. pp. 89, 91.</ref>

Medical facilities can be installed in the cabin, such as in-flight [[intensive care]] stations (including [[resuscitation]] functionality), [[Neonatal intensive care unit#Incubator|incubator]]s, and hygiene-convenient flooring.<ref name="civil broch"/> In a mountain rescue configuration, the cabin can simultaneously accommodate two stretchers as well as the pilot, anaesthetist, winch operator, mechanic and mountain rescue specialist.<ref name="engineer 2014"/>

Airbus Helicopters has promoted the airframe's various configurations as possessing "unique adaptability" for various missions, including utility work, commercial transportation, and training roles.<ref name="civil broch"/> Equipment for the [[law enforcement]] role include external [[loudspeaker]]s, [[rappel]]ling system, search lights with [[laser pointer]]s, left or right-mounted [[hoist (device)|hoist]]s, and [[electro-optical sensor]]s. For offshore oil & gas operations, the rotorcraft can be fitted with [[weather radar|weather/search radar]]s, emergency floatation aids, including an automated external life raft, energy-absorbent seating, class-D certified external hoists, and crash-resistant [[Aircraft fuel tanks|fuel tanks]].<ref name="civil broch"/> An external hook can be installed to carry underslung loads of up to 272&nbsp;kg for cargo missions. In a training capacity, features such a light aircraft recording system for post-flight analysis, intuitive human-machine interface, specific training modules, and a one-engine inoperative training mode, and full ground simulators, may be selected.<ref name="civil broch"/>

==Operational history==
[[File:Helicopter EC135 taking off from Bonn university clinic helipad.JPG|right|thumb|An [[ADAC]] EC135 taking off from [[University of Bonn|Bonn University Clinic]], 2008]]

Deliveries started in August 1996, when two helicopters, 0005 and 0006, were handed over to German emergency aero medical service provider [[Deutsche Rettungsflugwacht]]. The 100th EC135 was handed over to the Bavarian police force in June 1999, by which point the worldwide fleet had accumulated approximately 30,000 flight hours.<ref>Derby, Paul. [http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/landmark-delivery-for-eurocopter-ec135-52878/ "Landmark delivery for Eurocopter EC135"]. ''Flight International'', 17 June 1999.</ref> In September 2003, the 300th EC135 was handed over to UK-based McAlpine Helicopters. At this point, the EC135 was the best selling new light twin-engine helicopter in the UK market.<ref name="ben 90">Benenson 2004. p. 90.</ref>

In 2011, Eurocopter announced that the 1,000th EC135 to be produced had been delivered to German operator [[ADAC]], roughly 15 years since the start of production.<ref>[http://www.shephardmedia.com/news/rotorhub/eurocopter-delivers-1000th-ec135/9573/ "Eurocopter delivers 1000th EC135"]. ''shephardmedia.com'', 21 July 2011.</ref> In 2012, ''[[Flying (magazine)|Flying]]'' magazine recognised the EC135 as being "the industry's best selling twin-engine helicopter".<ref name="pope"/> The world fleet leader in flight hours for the type is G-NESV (s/n 0067), operated by [[Cleveland Police]] Air Operations Unit based at [[Durham Tees Valley Airport]], UK. Originally delivered to the [[North East Air Support Unit]] in April 1999, it was the first EC135 worldwide to attain 10,000 flying hours.<ref>[https://twitter.com/npas_newcastle/status/318345777602768898 "NPAS Newcastle"]. ''Twitter'', 31 March 2013.</ref>

In 2009, the EC135 was the first aircraft selected for offshore wind support in the UK, after the [[Civil Aviation Authority (United Kingdom)|Civil Aviation Authority]] approved helicopter operations to the [[Greater Gabbard]] offshore wind farm.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.businessairnews.com/mag_story.html?ident=9477|title=Helicopter Focus: EC135 chosen for offshore wind farm maintenance role &#124; Magazine &#124; Business Air News|website=businessairnews.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.caa.co.uk:443/docs/33/CAP437.PDF |title=CAP 437 Offshore Helicopter Landing Areas - Guidance on Standards |access-date=24 October 2021 |publisher=Civil Aviation Authority  (United Kingdom) |date=April 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100612172856/https://www.caa.co.uk:443/docs/33/CAP437.PDF |archive-date=12 June 2010 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The EC135 has been used in Denmark to support the [[Horns Rev]] offshore wind farm. By 2013, over 10,000 successful personnel transfers have taken place using the type.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=23foEDcJ8hU |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211212/23foEDcJ8hU |archive-date=2021-12-12 |url-status=live|title=Uni-Fly A/S Rescue from Windturbine|date=30 August 2007|via=YouTube|access-date=16 February 2015}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.uni-fly.dk/ |title=Uni-Fly A/S |publisher=Uni-fly.dk |access-date=5 May 2013}}</ref> In Mexico, Apoyo Logístico Aéreo has operated a fleet of EC135s for servicing the extensive oil and gas offshore platforms in the [[Gulf of Mexico]].<ref>[http://www.airbushelicopters.com/website/en/press/Eurocopter-reinforces-its-Gulf-of-Mexico-presence-Apoyo-LogYustico-AYoreo-orders-another-EC135-helicopter-for-off-shore-oil-and-gas-missions_1004.html "Eurocopter reinforces its Gulf of Mexico presence: Apoyo Logístico Aéreo orders another EC135 helicopter for off-shore oil and gas missions"]. ''Airbus Helicopters'', 6 March 2013.</ref>

[[File:Eurocopter EC-135.jpg|thumb|An EC135 T1 of French operator SAF Hélicoptères during a rescue operation]]
In 2013, it was reported that the EC135 was currently providing roughly 25% of the world's total emergency medic services flights, and that over 500 EC135s have been delivered to in an aeromedical configuration.<ref>Ozbek, Tolga. [http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/ec135-picked-for-turkish-air-ambulance-duties-385666/ "EC135 picked for Turkish air ambulance duties"]. ''Flight International'', 9 May 2013.</ref> By late 2013, during which a brief grounding of the type was instigated due to safety concerns of fuel gauges, the EC135 made up half of the UK's operational air ambulance fleet.<ref>Roberts, Liz. [http://www.grough.co.uk/magazine/2013/12/12/fuel-gauge-worry-grounds-almost-half-britains-air-ambulances "Fuel-gauge worry grounds almost half Britain's air ambulances"]. ''Grough'', 12 December 2013.</ref> In October 2014, the first EC135 air ambulance was delivered in the Chinese market.<ref>[http://www.aviationworldnews.com/news/airbus-helicopters-delivers-china-s-first-ec135-fully-equipped-air-ambulance-39554 "Airbus Helicopters delivers China's first EC135 fully-equipped air ambulance"]. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170714100140/http://www.aviationworldnews.com/news/airbus-helicopters-delivers-china-s-first-ec135-fully-equipped-air-ambulance-39554 |date=14 July 2017 }} ''Aviation World News'', 9 October 2014.</ref>

The German Army operates 19 H135s as basic trainers at the [[School of Army Aviation (Germany)|School of Army Aviation]] in [[Bückeburg]]. These have had an average operational availability in excess of 95 per cent.<ref>Tomkins, Richard. [http://www.upi.com/Business_News/Security-Industry/2014/12/17/Airbus-Helicopters-continues-support-for-German-Army-pilot-training/3941418792047/ "Airbus Helicopters continues support for German Army pilot training"]. ''United Press International'', 17 December 2014.</ref> In 2014, the German Army noted that there was potential for vibration-induced rotor cracking during [[autorotation]] training, shortening the life of the main rotor.<ref>[http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/auto-rotation-training-drives-german-army-light-twin-400749/ "Auto-rotation training drives German army light-twin requirement"]. ''Flight International'', 25 June 2014.</ref> 13 EC135 trainers have been procured by the [[Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force]], they have been designed as the TH-135.<ref name="th135 japan"/>

In December 2014, the first production EC135 T3 entered service with Aiut Alpin Dolomites, a mountain rescue operator based in Italy.<ref>[http://www.newswiretoday.com/news/149100/ "Turbomeca Celebrates Arrius 2B2plus Entry-into-Service on EC135 T3"]. ''Newswire today'', 10 December 2014.</ref> In June 2015, Airbus Helicopters delivered the first retrofitted H135 from the earlier EC135 standard. Changes include an enlarged main rotor, relocated engine air intakes, elevated engine performance, and the horizontal stabiliser's endplates removed and its span increased.<ref>Spruce, Terry. [http://helicopterinvestor.com/articles/airbus-helicopters-delivers-first-upgraded-h135/ "Airbus Helicopters delivers first upgraded H135"]. ''Helicopter Investor'', 18 June 2015.</ref><ref>[http://www.aviationtoday.com/the-checklist/Airbus-Helicopters-Upgrades-Bavarian-Police-H135s_85296.html#.VYfgeMvbJMM "Airbus Helicopters Upgrades Bavarian Police H135s"]. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150622132855/http://www.aviationtoday.com/the-checklist/Airbus-Helicopters-Upgrades-Bavarian-Police-H135s_85296.html#.VYfgeMvbJMM |date=22 June 2015 }} ''Aviation Today'', 17 June 2015.</ref>

In October 2015, Waypoint Leasing and Airbus Helicopters signed an agreement for the acquisition of up to 20 H135 for public leasing purposes.<ref>[http://www.verticalmag.com/news/article/WaypointLeasingtoacquire20H135sasfirstlessorforthisrotorcraf "Waypoint Leasing to acquire 20 H135s as first lessor for this rotorcraft"]. ''Vertical'', 7 October 2015.</ref>

In 2017, the [[Royal Air Force]] received the first 2 of 29 H135s designated as Juno HT.1s for the [[UK Military Flying Training System]] with training provided by Ascent Flight Training.<ref>{{cite web |title=JUNO HT1 |url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/aircraft/juno-ht1/ |publisher=Royal Air Force |access-date=14 March 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release |title=Airbus Helicopters Fully Operational as UK MFTS Aircraft Service Provider |url=https://www.airbushelicopters.co.uk/website/en/press/Airbus-Helicopters-Fully-Operational-as-UK-MFTS-Aircraft-Service-Provider_47.html |publisher=Airbus Helicopters |access-date=14 March 2024 |date=2 October 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Perry |first1=Dominic |title=PICTURES: Juno and Jupiter helicopters arrive at RAF Shawbury |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/helicopters/pictures-juno-and-jupiter-helicopters-arrive-at-raf-shawbury/123623.article |access-date=14 March 2024 |work=Flight Global |date=6 April 2017}}</ref>

In 2018, the [[Australian Defence Force]] established the Joint Helicopter School operating 15 EC135T2+ procured under Project Air 9000 Phase 7 to train both [[Australian Army]] and [[Royal Australian Navy]] pilots.<ref>{{cite news |last=Doran |first=Cpl Mark |title=Quantum advance in aircrew training |newspaper=Army News: The Soldiers' Newspaper |publisher=Department of Defence |location=Canberra |edition=1399 |url=http://www.defence.gov.au/Publications/NewsPapers/Army/editions/1399/1399.pdf |date=29 July 2017 |issn=0729-5685 |page=Special lift out page 2 |no-pp=yes |archive-url=https://webarchive.nla.gov.au/awa/20190209122438/http://www.defence.gov.au/Publications/NewsPapers/Army/editions/1399/1399.pdf |archive-date=9 February 2019 |url-status=dead |access-date=13 March 2024 }}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref><ref name="AustAvi">{{cite news |title=Joint Helicopter School graduates first course |url=https://australianaviation.com.au/2018/09/joint-helicopter-school-graduates-first-course/ |access-date=13 March 2024 |work=Australian Aviation |date=21 September 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=McLaughlin |first1=Andrew |title=Australia confirms HATS win for Boeing/Thales EC135 bid |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/australia-confirms-hats-win-for-boeing/thales-ec135-bid/114936.article |access-date=13 March 2024 |work=Flight Global |date=26 October 2014}}</ref> The school is set within Navy's [[723 Squadron RAN|723 Squadron]] at [[HMAS Albatross (air station)|HMAS Albatross]].<ref name="AustAvi"/> In 2024, after the retirement of the [[MRH-90 Taipan]] helicopter, the Australian government announced that it would lease 5 H135T3 (Juno) from the United Kingdom [[Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom)|Ministry of Defence]] for five years to maintain "essential training requirements" for Australian Army pilots.<ref name="JunoAust">{{Cite press release |author=Minister for Defence Richard Marles |date=7 February 2024 |title=Black Hawk and H135 Juno Training Helicopters to land in 2024 |url=https://www.minister.defence.gov.au/media-releases/2024-02-07/black-hawk-and-h135-juno-training-helicopters-land-2024|publisher=Department of Defence Ministers|access-date=13 March 2024}}</ref><ref name="ADMMarch24">{{cite news |last1=Felton |first1=Ben |title=Army to lease surplus British helicopters |url=https://www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/army-to-lease-surplus-british-helicopters |access-date=12 March 2024 |work=Australian Defence Magazine |date=7 February 2024}}</ref> The helicopters will be based at the [[Oakey Army Aviation Centre]].<ref name="ADMMarch24"/>
<!--
Please don't put accidents here, they go under "Accidents and incidents" below
-->

==Variants==
[[File:EC135T1.jpg|thumb|right|EC135 T2 [[air ambulance]] of the Austrian Air Rescue service in Klagenfurt, Austria]]
[[File:North West Air Ambulance helicopter, G-NWAE, Seacombe (geograph 4561804).jpg|thumb|One of the [[North West Air Ambulance|North West Air Ambulance's]] three EC135T2, shown landing]]

;EC135 P1 :Powered by two 463&nbsp;kW (621 shp) Pratt & Whitney Canada PW206B (ratings correspond to take-off power (TOP)). Later versions have the centre panel display system (CPDS). Initial maximum take-off weight (M.T.O.W.) of 2,630&nbsp;kg (5,798&nbsp;lbs), later raised to 2,720&nbsp;kg (5,997&nbsp;lbs) and then 2,835&nbsp;kg (6,250&nbsp;lbs).
;EC135 T1 :Powered by two 435&nbsp;kW (583 shp)(TOP rating) Turbomeca Arrius 2B1/2B1A/2B1A1. Later versions have the CPDS. Initial M.T.O.W. of 2,630&nbsp;kg (5,798&nbsp;lbs), later raised to 2,720&nbsp;kg (5,997&nbsp;lbs) and then 2,835&nbsp;kg (6,250&nbsp;lbs).
;EC135 P2 :Powered by two 463&nbsp;kW (621 shp) (TOP rating) Pratt & Whitney Canada PW206B2. Increased thermodynamic and mechanic OEI ratings (128% OEI torque). Replaced EC135 P1 in production in August 2001.
;EC135 T2 :Powered by two 452&nbsp;kW (606 shp) (TOP rating) Turbomeca Arrius 2B2. Increased thermodynamic and mechanic OEI ratings (128% OEI torque). Replaced EC135 T1 in production in August 2002.
;EC135 P2+ (Marketing name EC135 P2i):Latest current production version with 498&nbsp;kW (667 shp) PW206B2 (new power ratings based on a [[FADEC]] software upgrade), plus a 2,910&nbsp;kg (6,415&nbsp;lbs) M.T.O.W. upgrade, extended component [[time between overhaul]]s (TBOs), and a change in the main transmission lubricating oil.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.caa.govt.nz/aircraft/Type_Acceptance_Reps/Eurocopter_EC_135.pdf |title=Type Acceptance Report |access-date=5 May 2013 |archive-date=30 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121030104434/http://www.caa.govt.nz/aircraft/Type_Acceptance_Reps/Eurocopter_EC_135.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref> Built in Germany and Spain.
;EC135 T2+ (Marketing name EC135 T2i):Latest current production version with 473&nbsp;kW (634 shp) Arrius 2B2 engines (new power ratings based on a FADEC software upgrade), plus a 2,910&nbsp;kg (6,415&nbsp;lbs) M.T.O.W. upgrade, extended component TBOs, and a change in the main transmission lubricating oil. Built in Germany and Spain.
;EC135 P2+ (Marketing name EC135 P2e):Marketing designation of aircraft with increased M.T.O.W. of 2,950&nbsp;kg (6,504&nbsp;lbs) within restricted flight envelope.
;EC135 T2+ (Marketing name EC135 T2e) :Marketing designation of aircraft with increased M.T.O.W. of 2,950&nbsp;kg (6,504&nbsp;lbs) within restricted flight envelope.
;EC135 P3 :Powered by two 528&nbsp;kW (708 shp) (TOP rating) PW206B3 engines (new power ratings based on a FADEC software upgrade), plus a 2,980&nbsp;kg (6,570&nbsp;lbs) M.T.O.W. upgrade, and significant increased OEI, Cat A, and hot/high performance. Market introduction in 2014.<ref name="p3/t3 delay">Dubois, Thierry. "Deliveries of Airbus Helicopters EC135 T3/P3 Delayed." ''AIN Online'', 25 February 2014.</ref>
;H135 (EC135 T3)<ref>{{Cite web|last=Goller|first=Gabriel|date=27 January 2022|title=Airbus Helicopters Naming Convention|url=https://www.airbus.com/sites/g/files/jlcbta136/files/2021-07/Carte-Correspondance-2017.pdf|publisher=Airbus}}</ref>:Powered by two 492&nbsp;kW (660 shp) (TOP rating) Arrius 2B2Plus engines (new power ratings based on a FADEC software upgrade), plus a 2,980&nbsp;kg (6,570&nbsp;lbs) M.T.O.W. upgrade, and significant increased OEI, Cat A, and hot/high performance. Market introduction in 2014.<ref name="p3/t3 delay" />
;[[Eurocopter EC635|EC635/H135M]]: Military variant originally developed to meet a [[Portuguese Army]] requirement for a fire support and medical evacuation helicopter. Presently, operated by [[Royal Jordanian Air Force|Jordan]],<ref name="WORLD AIR FORCES 2013"/> [[Swiss Air Force|Swiss]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.defense-aerospace.com/article-view/release/68442/swiss-military-order-18-ec635s,-2-ec135s-(apr-26).html|title=Switzerland Orders 20 EC635/EC135 for its Armed Forces|website=defense-aerospace.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.defense-aerospace.com/articles-view/release/3/111059/final-ec_635-delivered-to-swiss-air-force.html|title=Swiss Air Force Receives 20th Eurocopter EC635 Helicopter; Eurocopter Completes Contract On Time And On Quality|website=defense-aerospace.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/ec_635/|title=EC 635 Twin-Engine Light Combat Helicopter - Airforce Technology|website=airforce-technology.com}}</ref> and [[Iraqi Army|Iraqi]] armed forces.<ref name="WORLD AIR FORCES 2013" />
;TH-135 : Military training variant developed from the EC135 T2+.<ref name="th135 japan">[http://www.verticalmag.com/news/article/JapanmilitaryreceivesTH135triofromAirbusHelicopters "Japan military receives TH-135 trio from Airbus Helicopters"]. ''Vertical'', 5 December 2014.</ref>
;ACH135 : Corporate variant of the H135.
;VH-35 : [[Brazilian Air Force]] designation for a VIP transport variant of the EC135.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Brazilian Military Aircraft Designations |url=https://designation-systems.net/non-us/brazil.html |access-date=2025-03-17 |website=designation-systems.net}}</ref>
;H.13 : ({{langx|th|ฮ.๑๓}}) [[Royal Thai Armed Forces]] designation for the H135.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Thai Military Aircraft Designations |url=https://designation-systems.net/non-us/thailand.html |access-date=2025-03-20 |website=designation-systems.net}}</ref>

==Operators==
[[File:Scottish Ambulance Service Eurocopter EC-135T-1 McKnight-1.jpg|thumb|A Scottish Ambulance Service Eurocopter EC-135T]]

In 2016, half of the EC135s operating in service were engaged in [[emergency medical services]] operations, 17% in [[air transport]], 16% in public services (typically [[law enforcement]]), 10% in military missions, 4% in offshore operations (typically [[offshore wind power]] inspection), and the remaining 3% in military training.<ref name=FG161129>{{cite news |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/analysis-how-airbus-helicopters-has-kept-its-20-yea-431278/ |title=ANALYSIS: How Airbus Helicopters has kept its 20-year-old H135 looking young |date=29 November 2016 |author=Dominic Perry |work=FlightGlobal}}</ref>

The 1,400th was delivered in September 2020, as over 300 customers in 60 countries accumulated more than 4.5 million flight hours.<!--<ref name=Airbus29jan2018>-->
Most are in Europe (641), followed by North America (316) and Asia (195).<ref name=Airbus29jan2018>{{citation |url=https://www.airbus.com/newsroom/stories/1400-h135-delivered-mont-blanc.html |date=6 November 2020 |title=Airbus Helicopters' 1,400th H135 is delivered to HEMS operator Mont Blanc |publisher=Airbus}}</ref>

===Military operators===
[[File:GA EC135 (cropped).jpg|thumb|An EC135 T1 of the [[German Army]]]]
[[File:RAF Airbus EC135T3 (JUNO HT1) Helicopter MOD 45165492.jpg|thumb|The EC135T3 is known as the Juno&nbsp;HT1 in RAF service]]
;{{Flag|Australia}}
* [[Royal Australian Navy]] - 15 EC135T2+<ref>{{Cite web|title=WorldAirForces2016-Corrected.pdf|url=https://flightglobal.com/asset/6297/waf/|website=flightglobal.com|access-date=10 December 2015|archive-date=19 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160119005850/https://flightglobal.com/asset/6297/waf/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* [[Australian Army]] - 5 EC135 T3 to be leased from the UK [[Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom)|Ministry of Defence]]<ref name="JunoAust"/><ref name="ADMMarch24"/>
;{{BRA}}
*[[Brazilian Air Force]]<ref name="World Air Forces 2014">[http://img.en25.com/Web/flightglobal/%7B88f2f053-6c3d-4ab4-a297-0b453358a560%7D_FC055_PREM_201312.pdf?elq={00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000}&elqCampaignId= World Air Force 2014 – Flight International], [[Flightglobal.com]], Accessed 23 November 2014</ref>
*[[Brazilian Navy]] - 3 EC135 T3 ordered to replace AS355F2.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Barreira |first1=Victor |title=Brazilian Navy to acquire EC135 T3 helicopters |url=https://www.janes.com/article/85475/brazilian-navy-to-acquire-ec135-t3-helicopters |website=Jane's 360 |access-date=3 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190103184808/https://www.janes.com/article/85475/brazilian-navy-to-acquire-ec135-t3-helicopters |archive-date=3 January 2019 |location=Rio de Janeiro |date=24 December 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref>

;{{Flag|Canada}}
* [[Royal Canadian Air Force]] - 19 helicopters are to be acquired for pilot training. The helicopters are to be built at Airbus Helicopters' facility in Fort Erie, Canada with deliveries starting 2026.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mukherjee |first=Upasana |date=2024-11-05 |title=Airbus to supply 19 H135 helicopters to RCAF |url=https://www.airforce-technology.com/news/airbus-19-h135-helicopters-canada/ |access-date=2024-11-05 |website=Airforce Technology |language=en-US}}</ref>
;{{GAB}}
*[[Military of Gabon#Air Force|Gabonese Air Force]]<ref name="WORLD AIR FORCES 2013">{{cite web |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/airspace/media/reports_pdf/emptys/101015/world-air-forces-2013.pdf |title=World Air Forces 2013 |publisher=Flightglobal Insight |year=2013 |access-date=17 March 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://smallairforces.blogspot.com/2011/03/gabons-new-helicopter.html |title=Gabon's new Helicopter! |date=3 October 2011 |website=smallairforces.com |access-date=17 March 2013}}</ref>
;{{GER}}
*[[German Army]]<ref name="WORLD AIR FORCES 2013"/>
;{{IRQ}}
*[[Iraqi Army Aviation Command]] - 20<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.flightglobal.com/download?ac=98881|title=World Air Forces 2024|publisher=flightglobal}}</ref>
;{{IRL}}
* [[Air Corps (Ireland)|Irish Air Corps]]<ref name="WORLD AIR FORCES 2013"/>
;{{JPN}}
* [[Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force]]<ref name="WORLD AIR FORCES 2013"/>
;{{MAR}}
*[[Royal Moroccan Air Force]] - H135s ordered for training duties in 2022.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Morocco orders H135 for training use |magazine=[[Air International]] |date=September 2022 |volume=103 |issue=2 |page=49 |issn=0306-5634}}</ref> 
*[[Royal Moroccan Gendarmerie]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.eurocopter.com/site/en/press/The-Moroccan-Royal-Gendarmerie-is-recognized-for-its-50-years-of-Eurocopter-helicopter-operations_898.html |title=The Moroccan Royal Gendarmerie is recognized for its 50 years of Eurocopter helicopter operations |website=eurocopter.com |access-date=17 March 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130409065822/http://www.eurocopter.com/site/en/press/The-Moroccan-Royal-Gendarmerie-is-recognized-for-its-50-years-of-Eurocopter-helicopter-operations_898.html |archive-date=9 April 2013 |df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.airliners.net/photo/Moroccan-Royal-Gendarmerie/Eurocopter-EC-135T-2+/2097501/L/&sid=b2d58871a96ab6ae032981a72d267f21 |title=Moroccan Royal Gendarmerie EC-135T |publisher=Demand media |access-date=17 March 2013}}</ref>
;{{NGR}}
* [[Nigerian Air Force]]<ref name="AFMAUG16-30">{{cite book|title=AirForces Monthly|date=August 2016|publisher=[[Key Publishing|Key Publishing Ltd]]|location=Stamford, Lincolnshire, England|pages=30|title-link=AirForces Monthly}}</ref>
;{{ESP}}
*[[Spanish Army Airmobile Force]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Materiales – Helicópteros – HE-26|url=http://www.ejercito.mde.es/en/materiales/helicopteros/HE-26.html?__locale=en|publisher=Ministerio de Defensa de España|access-date=26 March 2013}}</ref>
;{{UK}}
*[[Royal Air Force]] / [[Ascent Flight Training]] - [[No. 1 Flying Training School RAF|No. 1 Flying Training School]]<ref>{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Rory |title=RAF chief opens state-of-the-art helicopter training facilities in Shawbury |work=[[Shropshire Star]] |date=29 February 2020 |url=https://www.shropshirestar.com/news/local-hubs/north-shropshire/shawbury/2020/02/29/raf-chief-opens-state-of-the-art-helicopter-training-facilities-in-shawbury/ |access-date=18 May 2020}}</ref>

===Government operators===

;{{ARG}}
*[[Argentine Federal Police]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://helihub.com/2011/09/13/eurocopter-delivers-second-ec135t2-to-argentinas-federal-police/ |title=Eurocopter delivers second EC135T2+ to Argentina's Federal Police |date=13 September 2011}}</ref>
*[[Argentine National Gendarmerie]]<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Rivas |first=Santiago |title=Cracking the Drug cartels |magazine=[[Air International]] |date=April 2021 |volume=100 |issue=4 |pages=46–49 |issn=0306-5634}}</ref>
;{{AUS}}
*[[Queensland Police Service]] contracted through [[Surf Life Saving Queensland|Surf Life Saving Queensland Aviation]]
*Surf Life Saving Queensland Aviation
*[[Victoria Police]] (former)
;{{AUT}}
*[[Federal Police (Austria)|Federal Police]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://helihub.com/2008/05/06/austrian-minister-of-the-interior-presents-eurocopter-ec135-to-air-police-in-innsbruck/|title=HeliHub.com Austrian Minister of the Interior presents Eurocopter EC135 to Air Police in Innsbruck|website=helihub.com|date=6 May 2008}}</ref>
[[File:JA02FP (29935729730).jpg|thumb|A Japanese National Police's EC-135 in flight]]
;{{CAN}}
* [[Durham Regional Police]] - 1 helicopter purchased in 2024<ref name="cbc.ca">https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/ontario-police-helicopters-1.7278584</ref>
* [[Halton Regional Police]] - 1 helicopter purchased in 2024<ref name="cbc.ca"/>
* [[Ontario Provincial Police]] - 3 helicopters purchased in 2024 for use in the [[Greater Toronto Area]], [[Ottawa]], and [[Thunder Bay]].,<ref>https://www.airbus.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2024-09-airbus-marks-40-years-of-growth-in-canada-with-helicopter-order-for</ref> plus an additional 2 helicopters previously purchased in 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://helihub.com/2011/05/29/eurocopter-canada-delivers-two-ec135p2-to-ontario-provincial-police/ |title=Eurocopter Canada delivers two EC135P2+ to Ontario Provincial Police |date=29 May 2011 |website=helihub.com |access-date=17 March 2013}}</ref>
* [[Peel Regional Police]] - 1 helicopter purchased in 2024<ref name="cbc.ca"/>
;{{CHI}}
*[[Carabineros de Chile]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.defensa.com/chile/carabineros-chile-reciben-h135 |title=Carabineros de Chile reciben un H135 |date=11 October 2016 |website=defensa.com}}</ref>
;{{CHN}}
* [[Guangdong Provincial Public Security Department]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=广东省公安厅警务航空飞行队：搏击云天 守护平安 |trans-title=Guangdong Provincial Public Security Bureau Aviation Unit: Protection from the skies |url=http://gdga.gd.gov.cn/jwzx/jwyw/content/post_3735198.html |access-date=2025-03-15 |publisher=Guangdong Provincial Public Security Department}}</ref>
;{{CRO}}
*[[Croatian Police]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.defender.hr/republika-hrvatska/obrambena-politika/mup-kupio-helikopter-ec-135-za-nadzor-granice-i-prijevoz-stradalih.php/ |title=MUP RH kupio helikopter EC-135 za nadzor granice i prijevoz stradalih |website=defender.hr |access-date=27 June 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130630231303/http://www.defender.hr/republika-hrvatska/obrambena-politika/mup-kupio-helikopter-ec-135-za-nadzor-granice-i-prijevoz-stradalih.php |archive-date=30 June 2013 |df=dmy-all}}</ref>
;{{CZE}}
* [[Police of the Czech Republic|State Police]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.vrtulnik.cz/ec135.htm |title=Eurocopter EC 135 |website=vrtulník.cz |date=29 July 2011|access-date=25 December 2013}}</ref>
;{{GER}}
*[[Federal Police (Germany)|Federal Police]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://helihub.com/2012/09/13/turbomeca-sign-support-agreement-with-german-federal-police/ |title=Turbomeca sign support agreement with German Federal Police |date=13 September 2012 |website=helihub.com |access-date=17 March 2013}}</ref>
*[[Landespolizei (Germany)|State Police]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.polizei.rlp.de/internet/nav/a61/a61509c6-071a-9001-be59-2680a525fe06&_ic_uCon=c6110e5a-1e1d-4821-7a52-f61f42680e4c&conPage=1&conPageSize=50.htm |title=Allgemeines |website=polizei.rlp.de |access-date=26 May 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140527214806/http://www.polizei.rlp.de/internet/nav/a61/a61509c6-071a-9001-be59-2680a525fe06%26_ic_uCon%3Dc6110e5a-1e1d-4821-7a52-f61f42680e4c%26conPage%3D1%26conPageSize%3D50.htm |archive-date=27 May 2014 |df=dmy-all}}</ref>
;{{HUN}}
*[[HSE National Ambulance Service]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.napi.hu/magyar_gazdasag/rendorseg-mento-hadsereg-helikopter.669590.html|title=Légimentés: milliárdokért cseréltek gazdát a helikopterek |website=napi.hu |access-date=11 September 2018}}</ref>
;{{IRL}}
*[[Garda Air Support Unit]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Garda Air Support Unit (GASU) |url=http://www.garda.ie/controller.aspx?page=36 |year=2014 |publisher=An Garda Síochána |access-date=6 May 2014}}</ref>
;{{JPN}}
*[[National Police Agency (Japan)|Japanese National Police]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://helihub.com/2013/02/01/eurocopter-japan-delivers-ec135t2-to-national-police-agency/ |title=Eurocopter Japan delivers EC135T2 to National Police Agency |date=February 2013 |website=helihub.com |access-date=17 March 2013}}</ref>
;{{LTU}}
[[File:Eurocopter EC 135 Policía EC-KXE 02.jpg|thumb|A Eurocopter EC135P2+ of the National Police Corps of Spain.]]
*[[State Border Guard Service (Lithuania)|State Border Guard]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pasienis.lt/ |title=Valstybės sienos apsaugos tarnyba |website=Pasienis.lt |date=30 April 2013 |access-date=5 May 2013}}</ref>
;{{NLD}}
*[[Dutch National Police]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.politie.nl/onderwerpen/helikopter-boven-mijn-huis.html#hoe-ziet-de-luchtvloot-er-uit|title=Hoe ziet de luchtvloot er uit?|website=politie.nl|access-date=3 August 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130621162315/http://www.politie.nl/onderwerpen/helikopter-boven-mijn-huis.html#hoe-ziet-de-luchtvloot-er-uit|archive-date=21 June 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref>
*[[Emergency medical services in the Netherlands|ANWB Medical Air Assistance]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.anwb.nl/maa/helikopters|title=Traumahelikopters MAA - ANWB|date=23 June 2017|website=anwb.nl}}</ref>
;{{NOR}}
*[[Norwegian Police Service]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://helihub.com/2012/05/23/norwegian-police-buy-second-ec135/ |title=Norwegian Police lease second EC135 |date=23 May 2012 |website=helihub.com |access-date=17 March 2013}}</ref> - The EC135 was used til it was replaced by AW169 in 2019.
;{{POL}}
*[[Air ambulances in Poland]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.lpr.com.pl/en/onas.html#s180 |title=EC 135 |website=lpr.com.pl |access-date=12 December 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131215211416/http://www.lpr.com.pl/en/onas.html#s180 |archive-date=15 December 2013|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
* [[Border Guard (Poland)]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://infosecurity24.pl/nowy-smiglowiec-nareszcie-w-rekach-strazy-granicznej|title=Nowy śmigłowiec nareszcie w rękach Straży Granicznej - InfoSecurity24|website=infosecurity24.pl|date=3 January 2020 }}</ref>
;{{ROM}}
*[[Romanian Police]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.aviatie.mai.gov.ro/aeronave.html |title=EC 135 |website=aviatie.mai.gov.ro |access-date=17 February 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140221024510/http://www.aviatie.mai.gov.ro/aeronave.html |archive-date=21 February 2014 |url-status=dead}}</ref> 
*[[SMURD]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://smurd.ro/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=30:salvare-aeriana&catid=28:salvare-aeriana&Itemid=58 |title=EC 135 |website=smurd.ro |access-date=17 February 2014}}</ref> 
;{{SLO}}
*[[Law enforcement in Slovenia|Slovenian National Police]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://helihub.com/2012/09/14/heli-one-upgrades-ec135-for-slovenian-national-police/ |title=Heli-One upgrades EC135 for Slovenian National Police |date=14 September 2012 |website=helihub.com |access-date=17 March 2013}}</ref>
;{{ESP}}
*[[Civil Guard (Spain)|Civil Guard]]<ref>{{cite web |author=Guardia Civil |title=El Aire |url=https://www.guardiacivil.es/es/institucional/especialidades/aire/index.html |access-date=20 March 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130712232325/http://www.guardiacivil.es/es/institucional/especialidades/aire/index.html |archive-date=12 July 2013}}</ref>
*[[National Police Corps]]<ref>{{cite web|author=Dirección General de la Policía|title=Servicio de Medios Aéreos-Helicópteros|url=http://www.policia.es/org_central/medios_aereos/m_m_helicopteros.html|access-date=20 March 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130202015913/http://policia.es/org_central/medios_aereos/m_m_helicopteros.html|archive-date=2 February 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref>
[[File:Eurocopter EC-135T-2, Czech Republic - Police AN1578260.jpg|thumb|A Eurocopter EC135T2 of the Police of the Czech Republic]]
;{{UK}}
*[[Northern Lighthouse Board]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://helihub.com/2010/11/24/northern-lighthouse-board-to-go-live-with-ec135-on-1st-december/ |title=Northern Lighthouse Board upgrading to EC135 |date=24 November 2010 |website=helihub.com |access-date=12 December 2013}}</ref>
*[[National Police Air Service|National Police Air Service (England & Wales)]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.durham.police.uk/Information-and-advice/Pages/National-Police-Air-Service-(NPAS).aspx |title=National Police Air Service (NPAS) |publisher=Durham Police (UK) |access-date=30 September 2014 |archive-date=4 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180804200928/https://www.durham.police.uk/Information-and-advice/Pages/National-Police-Air-Service-(NPAS).aspx |url-status=dead }}</ref>
*[[Police Scotland]]<ref name="ukemergencyaviation">{{cite web |url=http://www.ukemergencyaviation.co.uk/glasgowcityheliport/Based-Aircraft.htm |title=Glasgow City Heliport Based Aircraft |publisher=ukemergencyaviation.co.uk |access-date=30 November 2013 |archive-date=23 July 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120723090514/http://www.ukemergencyaviation.co.uk/glasgowcityheliport/Based-Aircraft.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref>
*[[Police Service of Northern Ireland]]
*[[Trinity House]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.trinityhouse.co.uk/news/new-helicopter-g-glaa-for-gla-contract/ |title=New Helicopter 'G-GLAA' for GLA Contract |date=12 October 2015 |publisher=Trinityhouse.com |access-date=10 January 2022}}</ref>
;{{TUR}}
*[[Ministry of Health (Turkey)]] (operated by [[Turkish Aeronautical Association]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.acilafet.gov.tr/belge/1-45004/hava-ambulansi.html |title=EC 135 |website=acilafet.gov.tr|access-date=30 April 2016}}</ref> 
;{{USA}}
*[[Broward County Sheriff's Office|Broward County Sheriff]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://helihub.com/2012/02/12/broward-county-sheriff-orders-third-ec135/|title=Broward County Sheriff orders third EC135|date=12 February 2012|publisher=helihub.com |access-date=17 March 2013}}</ref>
*[[Massachusetts State Police]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mass.gov/eopss/agencies/msp/etrt/airwing.html|title=State Police Airwing Section|publisher=mass.gov |access-date=4 July 2014}}</ref>
[[File:NASA Airbus H135 (T3).jpg|thumb|NASA Airbus Helicopters H135]]
*[[NASA]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.airbus.com/newsroom/press-releases/en/2020/01/nasa-places-order-for-three-airbus-h135-helicopters.html|title=NASA places order for three Airbus H135 helicopters|publisher=Airbus|date=28 October 2021 }}</ref>
**[[Kennedy Space Center]]

==Accidents and incidents==
*On 29 November 2013, a [[Police Scotland]] EC135 T2 [[2013 Glasgow helicopter crash|crashed into a pub]] in [[Glasgow, Scotland|Glasgow]], Scotland.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-25165894|title=Glasgow helicopter crash: Nine dead at Clutha pub|date=30 November 2013 |publisher=BBC News}}</ref> Three occupants of the aircraft were killed, as well as seven patrons of the pub.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-25179128|title=Glasgow helicopter crash: ninth body recovered|date=2 December 2013 |publisher=BBC News}}</ref> The UK AAIB issued its final report on the accident on 23 October 2015. It said that "No significant pre-impact technical defect was identified in any part of the aircraft or its systems." It added that important fuel transfer pumps were switched off "for unknown reasons", and that the helicopter "did not land within the 10-minute period specified in the Pilot's Checklist Emergency and Malfunction Procedures, following continuous activation of the low fuel warnings, for unknown reasons."<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.gov.uk/aaib-reports/aircraft-accident-report-aar-3-2015-g-spao-29-november-2013 |title=Aircraft Accident Report AAR 3/2015 - G-SPAO, 29 November 2013}}</ref>
*On 28 August 2023, a [[Broward Sheriff's Office]] EC135 crashed into a residential building, after witnesses stated it started smoking heavily while in flight before spinning and rapidly losing altitude.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.local10.com/news/local/2023/08/28/bso-air-rescue-chopper-crashes-in-pompano-beach/ |title=2 killed, 4 injured when BSO Fire Rescue chopper crashes into apartment building in Pompano Beach |date=28 August 2023 }}</ref> A Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue Captain, and a resident of the structure that the helicopter crashed into, were both killed in the crash.  Two other employees, and a second resident survived.

==Specifications (EC135 P2+/T2+)==
[[File:Eurcopter EC135 orthographical image.svg|right|250px]]
{{External media|topic= |width=20% |float=right |video1=[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nwJxucsZbTE An EC135 Landing on a yacht] |video2=[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_fc7MT7Nis Pair of medical EC135s in formation flight] |video3=[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qTbd5dAFeM4 EC135 P-2+ performing a flight demonstration]}}
{{Aircraft specs
|ref= Eurocopter EC135 2008 Tech Data book<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eurocopter.ca/PDF/EC135tech.pdf|title=Eurocopter EC135|access-date=24 October 2021|author=Eurocopter |author-link=Eurocopter|work=eurocopter.ca|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110911013506/http://www.eurocopter.ca/PDF/EC135tech.pdf|archive-date=11 September 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|prime units?=met

<!-- General characteristics -->

|crew=1 pilot
|capacity= up to seven passengers or two crew and two patients (air ambulance variant) or {{convert|1455|kg|lb|abbr=on|0}} payload
|length m=10.2
|height m=3.51
|empty weight kg=1,455
|max takeoff weight kg=2,910

<!-- Powerplant -->

|eng1 number=2
|eng1 name=[[Turbomeca Arrius 2B2]]
|eng1 type=turboshaft engines
|eng1 kw=472<!-- prop engines -->
|eng1 note=<br>or 2 × [[Pratt & Whitney Canada PW206B]] turboshaft engines rated at {{convert|463|kW|hp|abbr=on|0}} (take-off power)

|rot number=1<!-- helicopters -->
|rot dia m=10.2<!-- helicopters -->
|rot area sqm=81.7<!-- helicopters -->

<!-- Performance -->

|cruise speed kmh=254
|never exceed speed kmh=287
|range km=635
|ceiling m=6,096
|climb rate ms=7.62
}}

== Gallery ==

<gallery mode="packed" class="center">
File:2025-03-17 134741 D7D 0008c I w248.jpg|Monday_17-March-2025 in Kentucky  2005 Eurocopter EC135-P2 N309PH (twin-turboshaft)  Engines=Twin 431&nbsp;hp Pratt & Whitney PW206B
</gallery>

==See also==
{{Portal|Aviation}}
{{aircontent
|see also=
|related=
* [[MBB Bo 105]]
* [[Eurocopter EC145]]
* [[Eurocopter EC635]]
|similar aircraft=
* [[AgustaWestland AW109]]
* [[Bell 427]]
* [[Bell 429 GlobalRanger]]
* [[Eurocopter AS350 Écureuil]]
* [[Eurocopter AS355 Écureuil 2]]
* [[MD Helicopters MD Explorer]]
* [[MBB/Kawasaki BK 117]]
* [[HAL Dhruv]]
* [[HAL Light Utility Helicopter]]
|lists=
* [[List of rotorcraft]]
* [[List of most-produced rotorcraft]]
}}
{{clear}}

==References==
{{reflist|30em}}

==External links==
{{commons category|Airbus Helicopters H135}}

* {{official website |https://www.airbus.com/en/products-services/helicopters/civil-helicopters/h135}}
* {{cite web |url=http://www.rth.info/typen/typen.php?show=ec135 |work=RTH.info |title=Eurocopter EC135 |language=de}}
* {{cite web |url=http://easa.europa.eu/certification/type-certificates/docs/rotorcraft/EASA-TCDS-R.009_Eurocopter_EC135-04-27102011.pdf |publisher=European Aviation Safety Agency |title=Type Certificate Data Sheet |date=27 October 2011 |access-date=31 October 2013 |archive-date=2 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131102213837/http://easa.europa.eu/certification/type-certificates/docs/rotorcraft/EASA-TCDS-R.009_Eurocopter_EC135-04-27102011.pdf |url-status=dead }}
* {{cite news |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/flight-test-we-run-the-rule-over-airbus-helicopters-431277/ |title=FLIGHT TEST: We run the rule over Airbus Helicopters' H135 |date=25 November 2016 |author=Peter Gray |work=Flight International}}

{{Eurocopter}}
{{MBB aircraft}}
{{FAB aircraft designations}}
{{Thai helicopter designations}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Airbus H135}}
[[Category:Airbus Helicopters aircraft]]
[[Category:1990s German civil utility aircraft]]
[[Category:1990s German helicopters]]
[[Category:Fantail helicopters]]
[[Category:Twin-turbine helicopters]]
[[Category:Aircraft first flown in 1994]]