Eurocopter EC 135 V5 (T2+)
Editorial Overview & Systems Analysis
The Eurocopter EC 135 V5 is a landmark freeware twin-engine light utility helicopter for X-Plane 12, developed as a long-standing German-French collaboration between Rotorsim and HSF Design. Simulating the Pratt & Whitney / Turbomeca powered EC 135 T2+, this add-on represents over 15 years of dedicated plugin engineering. It bypasses default X-Plane helicopter limitations to deliver an authentic European light twin experience, complete with custom FADEC automation, Central Panel Display System (CPDS) logic, and an advanced Automatic Flight Control System (AFCS).
The add-on provides exceptional cockpit flexibility, allowing pilots to alternate between a modern Full Glass Cockpit (FCDS), a semi-analog layout, or a traditional analog panel. Outfitted with bespoke FMOD audio and native VR optimization, the package also supports modular external equipment via an interactive configuration menu. Virtual operators can deploy functional rescue hoists, cargo sling hooks, FLIR cameras, and specialized snow skids across three primary cabin layouts: HEMS (Emergency Medical Services), Passenger transport, and VIP charter.
Equipped with SkunkCrafts Updater support for streamlined patching, native XP12 dynamic rotor downwash, and RealityXP GTN 750 integration, the EC 135 V5 stands as the undisputed freeware standard for twin-engine helicopter simulation in X-Plane 12.
Key Highlights
- Native XP12 Flight Physics: Re-engineered specifically for X-Plane 12 with realistic torque behavior, dynamic rotor downwash, and rain effects.
- Three Cockpit Variants: Offers complete switchable flight deck layouts across Full Glass (FCDS), Semi-Analog, and Conventional Analog instrument panels.
- Functional Hoist & Cargo Hooks: Fully operational winch and sling equipment for practical SAR and external load transport missions.
- Automated SkunkCrafts Updates: Ships with dedicated updater support to push regular aerodynamic and systems maintenance updates seamlessly.
- Freeware Base with Perpetual Plus Path: High-fidelity base simulation is completely free, with an optional €30.00 Plus upgrade license carrying lifetime validity.
Quirks & Limitations
- Plugin Starting Sensitivity: Custom background governor and engine logic can conflict with outdated legacy utility plugins like XUIPC during cold-and-dark starts.
- External Updater Dependency: Ensuring the airframe remains synchronized with rapid X-Plane 12 flight model changes requires installing and running the SkunkCrafts Updater standalone tool.
Community Ratings & Feedback
Want to rate this flight deck or leave a review? Log In or Create an FSS Account to post your review.
Be the first simmer to leave a flight deck review and community score for this airframe.
Systems & Integrations
Video Showcases
Help Improve the Directory
Notice missing details, broken links, or incorrect pricing? Submit a correction to our Hangar Mods.
Suggest an Update