Airbus Helicopters is developing the U145, an uncrewed derivative of the H145 family, with changes to flight controls, sensors, and the aircraft’s cargo area to support autonomous operations.
The U145 was presented at the ILA Berlin Airshow in June 2026 as an autonomous version of the H145 architecture. It is being developed primarily for cargo and logistics missions, with a higher payload capability and no physical cockpit. Airbus plans a maiden flight with a safety pilot onboard by the end of 2026.
The programme builds on Airbus Helicopters’ wider work with the H145M, including development of manned-unmanned teaming and autonomous technologies. H145M programme manager Constance Pinsdorf is also overseeing the U145 development discussed in the interview.
The conversion involves replacing conventional pilot inputs with dedicated electromechanical actuation and automated flight-control functions. Airbus is also integrating sensors to provide environmental awareness, including obstacle detection and autonomous manoeuvring during low-level flight.
The airframe has been modified to remove the conventional cockpit and provide a flat cargo floor with 360-degree access from the front, sides and rear. These changes are intended to support the transport of heavier cargo and equipment.
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From an MRO perspective, the U145 introduces additional systems that will require integration, inspection and maintenance alongside the H145 family’s existing mechanical and propulsion systems. These include autonomous flight controls, electromechanical actuators and environmental-sensing equipment.
Airbus is also considering modular configurations, including versions retaining a safety pilot, allowing elements of the autonomous system to be introduced incrementally. The company expects series production capability by the end of the decade.
