The EC130 is one of the most popular helicopters in the Rotor One fleet, and for good reason.

This moderately sized, single-engine helicopter features strong comfort and performance, making it an ideal aircraft for business or leisure.

With a long-distance range, the ability to hold up to 6 passengers, and excellent landing capabilities, it's a go-to machine for helicopter tours, charters, and private travel.

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Introducing the Airbus EC130

The Airbus EC130 has been in service for roughly 25 years at this point, and in that time has managed to garner a reputation for reliability and safety. With a 950-horsepower Safran Arriel 2D engine and a shrouded Fenestron tail rotor, it performs as well as it looks.

Being able to travel in excess of 230 kilometres per hour at a range of well over 500 kilometres, it's an ideal machine for travelling to destinations at a short-medium distance. With vibration control, energy-absorbing seats, and an air-conditioned cabin, iot's a comfortable ride no matter the location being flown to.

History of the Airbus EC130

The H130 has its roots in the 1970s AS350 Écureuil, a workhorse that proved a single engine helicopter could be tough and versatile. In the late 1980s, Aerospatiale engineers started working on a quieter, more spacious version; the testbed AS350 Z flew in 1987 with a shrouded Fenestron tail rotor.

After Eurocopter was formed in the early 1990s, the project gained momentum. On June 24th 1999 the first EC130 prototype flew with a wider cabin, dual hydraulic system, and that Fenestron for much lower noise.

Eurocopter refined the design for EMS and VIP roles, but the big jump came in 2012, with the EC130 T2. With a more powerful Safran Arriel 2D engine, the T2 introduced active vibration control, a flat floor cabin, and more powerful air conditioning.

When Eurocopter became Airbus Helicopters in 2014, the EC130 became the H130. Upgrades have continued, including a 2021 hybrid-assist test program that extends reaction time after engine failure. With over 700 airframes delivered, the H130 is a favourite for tours, charters and medical missions worldwide, quiet efficiency and big cabin comfort.

Who Makes the Airbus EC130

The EC130 is now known more commonly as the Airbus H130, and it is built by Airbus Helicopters, which is the rotary-wing division of Airbus, a European aerospace giant.

The company was formerly called Eurocopter and as create in 1992 when France’s Aérospatiale Helicopter division and Germany’s Daimler-Benz Aerospace helicopter group merged, and the Airbus name was adopted in 2014.

Officially, the first EC130 prototype took flight on June 24, 1999, and officially entered service in 2001 with Blue Hawaiian Helicopters, a US tour operator.

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Airbus EC130 Technical Specifications and Amenities

Let's take a closer look at all of the primary features and benefits that the Airbus EC130 brings to the table.

Engines

The EC130 or H130 features a single Safran Arriel 2D turboshaft that is capable of delivering 950 HP thanks to a dual-channel FADEC. It even has a third automatic backup in place for optimal safety.

This is a very fuel-efficient engine, which makes it a favourite among tour operators, as it can carry several passengers without being too costly. This aircraft also features excellent performance in hot weather, a big reason why it's a part of the Rotor One fleet.

Cruising Speed and Range

The Airbus EC130 is a fast and reliable machine, with the ability to travel at a maximum speed of 290 kilometres per hour, and a cruising speed nearing 240 kilometres per hour. It also features the ability to fly well over 500 kilometres, making it an ideal choice for short and medium length trips. Thanks to its speed and range, many choose the EC130 for private regional and domestic travel, private charters, tourism purposes, and more.

Capacity

This aircraft features enough capacity to hold at least four passengers, with most models being able to hold six passengers plus the pilot. This makes it ideal for smaller and medium groups looking to travel together, whether for business or leisure purposes. It also comes with a good deal of storage in the rear - not a massive amount, but enough for ski gear, golf clubs, and other such items. Storing your most important items can be done with ease.

The Interior

What's great about travelling in the Airbus EC130 is that it has theatre-style seating combined with large windows, which means that everyone gets an unobstructed view of the ground below. It also features vibration control, climate management, and plush seats, all of which allow for a comfortable flight every time.

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Avionics

Every pilot who flies the EC130 has access to a Garmin G500H TXi glass cockpit featuring synthetic vision, HTAWS, and integrated GPS navigation. Thanks to its Vehicle and Engine Multifunction Display, which displays easy-to-read performance data, it's perfectly safe for a single pilot to fly and allows for a reliable experience every time.

Airbus EC130 Typical Use Cases

Thanks to its plethora of features, the EC130 is used for many purposes, including the following.

Scenic Flights

Rotor One uses the EC130 for a variety of scenic flights. Its large windows and seating arrangements makes it ideal for viewing the ground below, and its cruising speed and range allow it to cover great distances in limited time. A tour of Melbourne city in one of these machines is always an experience worth undertaking.

Tourism Experiences

Another common use of the EC130 is for tourist purposes. Yes, scenic flights count as tourism too, but here we are referring to tours where clients can stop and land at various locations. For instance, one of the most popular outings with Rotor One is to Yarra Valley wine country, which is made all that much better when you get to arrive by helicopter.

Private Charters

The Airbus EC130 is often used for private charter purposes as well. For example, Rotor One operates private charters out of Melbourne with the EC130, allowing executives, politicians, VIPS, and anyone else who wants to travel in luxury to quickly get from one location to another. Whether you're a land surveyor who needs to get to a remote location or a traveller who needs a quick airport connection, the EC130 is a machine of choice.

Aerial Photography

Yet another common use of the EC130 is for aerial photography. The reason for this is because it has a variety of features that allow for great stability, smoothness, and vibration control, all of which are useful for film crews, land surveyors, and more.

Light Utility Work

The Airbus EC130 is also known for performing basic light utility work, including for utilities inspection, conservation work, law enforcement patrol, and other such purposes.

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Booking an EC130 Helicopter Charter with Rotor One

Don't hesitate to book a private helicopter charter with Rotor One. The EC130 is part of the fleet, and it's a popular option for tourist, scenic, and charter flights alike. With regular pre-flight inspections, routine maintenance, and fully-licensed pilots, Rotor One ensures that every passenger is safe and comfortable for the duration of the flight. Book a private charter in Melbourne, Sydney or Brisbane.