Airbus Helicopters unveils U-145 cargo drone derived from H145 (opex360.com)

• Airbus Helicopters introduces U-145 cargo drone at ILA Berlin, based on the H145.
• First flight planned for late 2026, service entry after 2030.
• Modular design for cargo, firefighting, drone mothership, reconnaissance, surveillance.

"Airbus Helicopters introduced the U-145, an uncrewed cargo drone based on the H145, at the ILA Berlin air show (June 10-14, 2026). The U-145 has no cockpit, a maximum takeoff weight of 3,800 kg, and is powered by two Safran Arriel 2E engines with FADEC. It uses AI for full autonomy. First flight is planned for late 2026 with a safety pilot; entry into service is expected after 2030. Missions include cargo transport, firefighting, drone deployment, armed reconnaissance, and surveillance. The development builds on Airbus's earlier OPV program and parallels the MQ-72C for the US Marine Corps."