1510 W. Drake Drive, Tempe, Arizona USA 85283
VHA Announces Airbus H125/AS350 Tail Rotor System
In June 2021, Van Horn Aviation completed the first ground run of its newly-developed tail rotor system for the Airbus Helicopters H125, previously known as the AS350.
Features of the new system include:
- Individually-replaceable composite tail rotor blades
- VHA-designed titanium hub with self-lubricating spherical bearings
- No aircraft modifications required
VHA engineering and test team after H125/AS 350 tail rotor blade ground run, June 2021
Because the VHA H125/AS 350 tail rotor blades use the same NASA-designed laminar airfoil as our 206 series tail rotor blades, our engineers expect a similar increase in performance—including greater tail rotor authority—and decrease in overall noise signature compared to OEM blades. The VHA tail rotor blades are also expected to provide increased safety during a hydraulics failure. The VHA design is also projected to save Airbus operators thousands of dollars in direct maintenance costs.
Van Horn Aviation is working with Piranha Aerospace Solutions, a membership-based helicopter parts distributor, to launch the product. Flight testing will begin in summer 2021 with FAA certification estimated in 2022.
For the complete press release, click here.
For updates during development, visit our In Development page.
SHARE THIS POST:
For 206L LongRanger operators flying P/N 20633000-101 serial numbers A007-A009 or A012-A104, we would like to remind you that these blades are subject to AD 2022-22-08, which requires recurring tap inspections every 400 flight hours or 2,400 engine starts, whichever comes first. You can learn more about the tap test requirements and procedure in our video . These blades are likely to develop a delamination in the area of the weight pocket on the lower surface of the blade. The AD further requires removing the blades from service if the delamination reaches 6 inches in length. However, extensive company testing indicates that all blades will likely achieve their full retirement life before that occurs. So long as the delamination is monitored and does not exceed the permitted length, the blades are entirely safe to fly with no adverse effects on aircraft behavior or performance. Operators are required to report their findings at every inspection interval to VHA for tracking using the form on the last page of Service Bulletin 33000-4 . Completed forms should be emailed to info@vanhornaviation.com . Providing this data helps to ensure all operators of these blades remain safe. All of the identified blades are likely to have delaminations, so if none are detected please contact us for assistance. In addition, this AD is considered an interim action and once sufficient data is gathered it may be updated to reduce the required frequency of inspection. Refer to AD 2022-22-08 and SB 33000-4 for further information.
AS350 Tail and Manufacturer Tech Briefs Given at Verticon 2025 Posted Here
Eurosafety Pilot Kevin Nelson
