Airbus Helicopters has validated the aeromechanical configuration of its next-generation, twin-engine helicopter H160 through flight tests.

With two prototypes, the flight-test campaign is currently undergoing at the company's facility in Marignane, France.

During the test, the helicopter demonstrated extremely low vibration levels along with significant aircraft stability levels.

The test has found that the aeromechanical configuration of the helicopter has frozen and the flight envelope has fully opened.

Airbus Helicopters H160 programme senior vice-president Bernard Fujarski said: “Thanks to more than 200h accumulated in flight-testing, and with the achievement of this formal programme milestone, we have been able to confirm several key design assumptions and even exceed some of them against a real-life environment.

"We have been able to confirm several key design assumptions and even exceed some of them against a real-life environment."

“With the helicopter’s flight envelope now fully opened, we are confident that our next-generation helicopter will set new standards of flight experience for passengers and crews.”

Scheduled for the near future, the H160’s next flight campaign will concentrate on hot weather and will be followed by continued performance testing of the Arrano engines, which is currently powering both the prototypes.

The helicopter will undergo cold weather tests later in the year.

A third prototype will also be conducted under the flight-test programme next year to support the certification process ahead of the H160’s entry into service in 2018.

Fujarski also added: “Vibration levels have been a key objective since the launch of programme, and observed results give us confidence that the H160 will set new comfort standards for all missions segments, from EMS to passenger transport or private and business aviation.”

Airbus Helicopters currently provides both civil and military helicopter solutions worldwide.

The company’s in-service fleet includes nearly 12,000 helicopters operated by more than 3,000 customers in 154 countries.

Image: With two H160 prototypes, the flight-test campaign is currently undergoing at Airbus Helicopters’ site in Marignane, France. Photo: courtesy of Airbus Helicopters.