- 01 Mar 2023
- Mike Chase
- Helicopter Comparisons
The Eurocopter EC135T2+, from Airbus/Eurocopter also known as the EC135T2e, is an upgraded version of the EC135T2, still equipped with 606 shp Turbomeca Arrius 2B2 engines but with an 89 lb increase in maximum takeoff weight - to 6,504 lbs, within certain flight conditions. This very popular helicopter is widely used for executive transport with deluxe seating for six.
The Eurocopter/Airbus EC-135T2+ costs between $2.7m for a 2011 model, up to $4.2m for a 2015 model, according to Aircraft Bluebook’s Winter 2021 data. Prices can vary from the average retail value for the model’s year, however, depending on a number of aircraft-specific factors, such as the time on the airframe and engines, when the next major overhaul or inspection is due, the maintenance condition, damage history, and more.
The EC-135/H135 range has been a significant success story, first for Eurocopter, and then Airbus. Operators may be considering earlier pre-owned models than the EC-135T2+, or the latest upgraded version of the aircraft. In particular, today’s ACH135 is specifically tailored for the VIP/Corporate market, offering operators an appealing blend of power, space and comfort.
The EC-135T2+ is known for its compact build and versatility, particularly its ability to perform in hot and high conditions while carrying large payloads over long distances
The EC-135T3 replaced the EC-135T2+, and is the current production model known today as the H135 in Airbus’s new naming style (or the ACH135 as part of the ACH range). The EC-135T3 is powered by two Safran Arrius 2B2plus engines, and there is also an option to equip the modern H135 with two Pratt & Whitney PW206B3 engines. Compared to the EC-135T2+, the EC-135T3/H135 is equipped with the Airbus Helicopters’ Helionix avionics suite, which reduces the workload of the pilot while increasing their situational awareness, and the safety of the mission. Moreover, the latest version of the H135 provides customers with a maximum take-off weight of 2,980kg, rising to 3,100kg with its new Alternate Gross Weight (AGW).
Eurocopter EC-135T2+ Helicopter Overview
By Gerrard Cowan - Editor, Aircraft Reviews
The Eurocopter EC-135T2+ is an upgraded version of the popular EC-135 line from Eurocopter. Today, the aircraft’s production continues as the Airbus H135, which is itself an upgrade on the EC-135T2+.
The EC-135T2+ replaced the EC-135T2 on the production line in 2011, and it offers an increase in maximum take-off weight (up to 2,950kg). A popular helicopter, the EC-135T2+ is sometimes also be referred to as the EC-135Te, and it is widely used for executive transport.
The model provides seating for six in ‘deluxe’ conditions, and has a range of just over 340 nautical miles.
What features does the Eurocopter EC-135T2+ offer?
Like the EC-135T2 before it, the twin-engine EC-135T2+ is equipped with 606shp Arrius 2B2 engines (built by Safran Helicopters Engines). Another version, the EC135P2i (or EC-135P2+) was also manufactured with 667shp Pratt & Whitney PW206B2 engines.
The Eurocopter EC-135T2+ is known for its endurance, low sound levels, versatility and more. Indeed, Airbus claims that it offers the lowest operating and maintenance costs in its class.
One of the most successful light aircraft in the Eurocopter/Airbus Helicopters family, the Eurocopter EC-135 has been highly successful on the market since the late 1990s, with about 1,400 produced. Of those, 226 were EC-135T2+ models, per JETNET data published in August 2022.
What came before and after the Eurocopter EC-135T2+?
The Eurocopter EC-135T2+ is an enhanced version of the EC-135T2, and, as mentioned above, offers an increased Maximum Take-Off Weight (MTOW). As part of today’s Airbus Corporate Helicopters (ACH) range, it is today known as the ACH135 in its most modern variant.
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