Very High Altitude Flight Testing of the H145 Helicopter

The H145 is a multipurpose twin-engine helicopter with a maximum gross weight of 3700 kg (8160 lbs). The H145 entered service in 2014 and was originally certified for Cat B take-off and landing up to 16000 ft density altitude and Cat A operations up to 12000 ft density altitude. Because of its excellent high altitude performance, several operators requested an increase of the maximum certified altitude of the H145. Flight testing for this altitude extension was conducted in May 2015 near La Paz, Bolivia, at density altitudes between 15000 and 18200 ft. Although testing at such extremely high altitudes was very demanding, the results were as or better than expected. Analysis of the performance and controllability showed that the aircraft could comfortably and safely operate up to a maximum pressure/density altitude of 20000 ft for Cat B operations, and up to a pressure/density altitude of 15000/16000 ft for Cat A operations. EASA certification for these operations was obtained in March 2017.