H160

Airbus Helicopters has unveiled H160, a twin-engine 5.5t-6t class rotorcraft, at the ongoing Heli-Expo 2015 event in Orlando, Florida, US.

The H160 is said to incorporate 68 different Airbus Helicopters patented technologies, and is suitable for oil and gas operations, public services, air medical and coast guard duties, as well as commercial transport, private and business aviation.

Airbus Helicopters president Guillaume Faury said: "The H160 represents Airbus Helicopters’ strategy to provide the most efficient solutions for our customers, who serve, protect, save lives and safely carry passengers in the most demanding environments."

The H160 design includes Fenestron shrouded tail rotor and Biplane Stabiliser, which support pilot manoeuvres and reduce aerodynamic penalties in low-speed flight and hover.

Its Blue Edge main rotor blades are designed to reduce exterior noise levels by 50% and allow a payload increase of up to 100kg.

"The H160 design includes Fenestron shrouded tail rotor and Biplane Stabiliser, which support pilot manoeuvres and reduce aerodynamic penalties in low-speed flight and hover."

Powered by Turbomeca’s Arrano engine, the fully-composite civil helicopter can accommodate 12 passengers and travel at cruise speed of 160kts to distances of up to 120nm for oil and gas missions, and a 450nm range for public service or search and rescue tasks.

Other features of H160 rotorcraft include Airbus Helicopters’ Helionix avionics, electric landing gear, easy access to various areas and maintenance steering group-3 (MSG-3) inspection methodology, which offers operators with flexibility in the maintenance plan.

Airbus commenced development of the H160 in 2013 and finalised aircraft configuration this year.

The H160 is planned to make first flight this year with its entry into service expected in 2018.

Three H160 prototype aircraft are supported by two ground-based integration tests to evaluate various system integrations and shorten the development process.

The Dynamic Helicopter Zero test bench will validate the rotorcraft dynamic systems, main and tail rotor flight controls, hydraulic, electrical, avionics and health / usage monitoring systems.

System Helicopter Zero will test its avionics, electrical harnesses, fuel system, hydraulics, flight controls, lighting and other key elements.

Image: The H160 is planned to make first flight this year and is expected to enter into service in 2018. Photo: courtesy of Airbus Helicopters.