H160

The H160 opens a new chapter in the history of Airbus. Joining the helicopter product range between the H145 and the H175, this innovative medium helicopter becomes the first member of the H generation.

The entire design was based on one overriding goal: to create added value for customers in terms of performance, economic competitiveness, safety and comfort. Both cleaner and quieter, the H160 takes a step forward in respect for the environment.  The H160 entry into service is planned for 2019.

Mission ready

Configurations being developed include offshore transportation, business and private aviation (known as the ACH160), public services, and commercial passenger transport.

Innovation at your service

The H160 is about breakthrough design, providing customers with the highest level of innovation, integrating as many as 68 different patents for a customer step change. The aircraft was developed using three prototypes and two test platforms – the dynamic helicopter zero and the system helicopter zero – to ensure the highest level of maturity ahead of service entry.

This rotorcraft comes with enhanced safety features and sets a new standard for passenger comfort. Innovations include the Airbus-developed Helionix avionics suite for reduced pilot workload, the canted Fenestron® for greater useful load and a flat attitude in flight, and sound-reducing Blue Edge™ rotor blades for quieter operations.

Customers also will appreciate flying more comfortably with an increase in volume per passenger compared to other medium-twin helicopters, as well as larger windows, creating the brightest cabin in its class.

Safety enhancer

Simple and intuitive to operate, innovative features such as simplified pre-flight checks and two-minute automatic start-up procedures make the H160 very easy to fly and to maintain. Helionix’s accrued pilot assistance reduces crew workload, and the helicopter’s exceptional handling and external visibility, contribute to greater situational awareness, enabling pilots to focus on the mission at hand. 

Safety also is enhanced with integration of the first-ever computerized rotorcraft flight manual (C-RFM), providing the crew with essential information about the aircraft’s performance in accordance with the conditions of the day, the optional equipment, and the desired flight profile.

The H160’s new automation modes also provide additional comfort to the pilots, enabling them to perform operations with greater ease. Equipped with the world’s first-ever ground helipad assisted take-off procedure, pilots will experience a secure and optimal helipad liftoff, and benefit from a reduced workload and the risk of human error.

The vortex pre-alerting feature also increases safety by warning pilots when they enter flight conditions that could lead to a vortex ring state if they do not take immediate action. The H160 also includes a tail fin camera, Sea State 6 emergency floatation system and windows that exceed EASA Type IV emergency egress size requirements.

Enhanced support concept

3D technical publications and easy digital troubleshooting tools give maintenance technicians the information to maintain this aircraft to the highest standards, even far from the maintenance base.

Connected services – such as FleetKeeper, digital logcards, and Flight Planner – enable customers to manage their operations seamlessly.

Equipment locations have been optimized for accessibility, while easy access to the large upper deck, engine access through a firewall panel, and easy removal of engine and main gearbox cowlings are among the H160’s innovations.

With its light maintenance plan aligned between engine and aircraft, the H160 offers optimized operating costs and a new standard in availability.