Airbus Helicopters has expanded its autonomous portfolio with the introduction of the U145. Unveiled at the ILA Berlin airshow, this uncrewed version of the popular H145 light twin is engineered to support a variety of roles, ranging from logistics and cargo transport to surveillance and crewed-uncrewed teaming.
The manufacturer has significantly reconfigured the airframe to support its new autonomous mission profile. The traditional cockpit has been removed in favor of a specialized sensor suite and AI-driven control systems. To prioritize cargo operations, the design features an integrated nose door, a foldable loading table, and a reinforced cabin floor. The platform maintains a maximum take-off weight of 3,800 kilograms.
Matthieu Louvot, CEO of Airbus Helicopters, stated that the project combines the established H145 airframe with advanced autonomous systems. Airbus expects the U145 to serve both civil and military sectors. A maiden flight featuring a safety pilot is scheduled for late 2026, with full service entry targeted for the early 2030s. The move aligns the company with broader industry trends toward transitioning proven rotorcraft platforms into autonomous assets for high-risk or high-volume resupply missions.