Airbus Helicopters H160 (formerly X4)

H160: everything you need to know

Published on Mar 5, 2015

The H160 opens a new chapter in the history of Airbus Helicopters. Joining the product range between the H145 and the H175, this innovative medium helicopter becomes the first new 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. Configurations being developed include offshore transportation, business and private aviation, public services, and commercial passenger transport.

https://youtu.be/69HkRyjJGBI
 
I cannot believe I beat Triton to this ;D
Real Airbus Helicopter H160 roll out today.
Pictures from Vertical Magazine.
Carries her weight well don't you think. B)
 

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From the same source.
 

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Fenestron looks huge compared to the cabin. But the paint job is sharp.
 
I had not realized how wide the aircraft was, from the mock up photos seen prior. Still the French lines are... Well still appealing. BD
 
Yepp ...

http://www.aviationanalysis.net/2015/06/airbus-helicopters-h160-complete-maiden-flight.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=crZLDccxZKg
 
https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/second-h160-helicopter-to-fly-shortly-420493/
 

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"France gearing up for HIL helicopter development"
25 October, 2017 SOURCE: FlightGlobal.com BY: Dominic Perry London

Source:
https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/france-gearing-up-for-hil-helicopter-development-442494/

France is likely to issue a preliminary development contract for its hélicoptère interarmées léger (HIL) programme by the end of the year, to allow manufacturer Airbus Helicopters to begin initial risk-reduction activities.

In March Paris selected the airframer's developmental H160 medium-twin to serve as a basis for the HIL effort, which will replace more than 400 helicopters across all three services.

Deliveries are scheduled to start in around 2024, with between 160 and 190 aircraft to be procured.

That timeline would require a firm acquisition contract about two years after the initial agreement.

Airbus Helicopters has previously focused the development of the H160 on civil missions, with the 5.6t rotorcraft due to enter service in 2019.

Bernard Fujarski, senior vice-president and head of the H160 programme, says the selection of the H160 is a significant boost.

"We are talking about a very significant quantity of helicopters to sell the three services for more or less the complete catalogue of missions," he says.

"We are working in order to be on time in order to be compliant with the specification we will get from the French ministry of defence."

He acknowledges that using a single type to replace helicopters straddling multiple weight classes is a "challenge" and that it will not be "optimised everywhere".

However, Fujarski points out that a "rationalised" maintenance, support and training system will drive savings for the French services.

Once it is in operation with France, Airbus Helicopters is also likely to offer the Safran Helicopter Engines Arrano-powered H160M to the export market.
Click to expand...
 
I have to admit the French do make nice looking aircraft.
 
yasotay said:
I have to admit the French do make nice looking aircraft.
Click to expand...


Pardon to not-pick, but why "French"??
 
Mirage since Mirage III, Dauphine helicopter. It is a personal preference of course.
 
Deino just wanted to mention, that the Spaniards may be a bit miffed, because
their share of Airbus Helicopter often is a bit overlooked, I think ... B)
 
Jemiba said:
Deino just wanted to mention, that the Spaniards may be a bit miffed, because
their share of Airbus Helicopter often is a bit overlooked, I think ... B)
Click to expand...

Indeed ... however my point is simply that EUROCOPTER = now Airbus helicopter is de facto a joint European company regardless where this type was "designed".

Surely no-one would call the A.400M a Spanish design ....
 
Yasotay was talking about "design" in terms of aesthetics and I think Deino is thinking "design" in terms of engineering.

The emphasis on the H160 aesthetics is definitely a French thing - following on the footsteps of the really good looking Dauphin and Ecureuil.

That has not changed with Eurocopter becoming Airbus Helicopters.
 
I attended Heli Expo last week in Las Vegas so had the pleasure of seeing the H160 P2 on its North American Tour inside the on static as well as departing. So here are my photos below, cheers

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[
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Machdiamond said:
Yasotay was talking about "design" in terms of aesthetics and I think Deino is thinking "design" in terms of engineering.

The emphasis on the H160 aesthetics is definitely a French thing - following on the footsteps of the really good looking Dauphin and Ecureuil.

That has not changed with Eurocopter becoming Airbus Helicopters.
Click to expand...

Indeed. Certainly can admire the European design influence from Spain and Germany, but H-160 is a French helicopter visually. One can admire a Spitfire and a Me-109, but there is no doubt where they came from.

RavenOne - superb pictures. Thank You for sharing.
 
France lays out its plan for the mil version, the H160M

https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/french-air-force-outlines-requirements-for-h160m-hel-448858/

cheers
 
Appreciate:

Those destined for close air support tasks will be equipped with a 20mm cannon and guided rockets.
The air force is also investigating the potential integration of a pilot-controlled 7.62mm gun, to be used for the interception of light aircraft. However, if this cannot be achieved, it will continue to deploy with a sniper on board.
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A 20mm canon with a rocket pod... Just like in the Gazelle... And the Alouette... The pilot will surely apreciate also the availability of the not so-sure 7.62 with the utmost feeling of marchinng toward ennemy lines with brave allure like the WWI dismounted cavalry.

Does he have to bring his own saber?


ah-34-french-image01.jpg
 
Airbus Helicopters H160M

Source:
https://twitter.com/AirbusHeli?lang=en
 

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Triton said:
Airbus Helicopters H160M

Source:
https://twitter.com/AirbusHeli?lang=en
Click to expand...

I attended Eurosatory .....was disappointed that AH didn’t bring full mock sized mock up lol

Cheers
 

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First serial production Airbus Helicopters H160 flies

https://www.airbus.com/newsroom/press-releases/en/2018/12/first-serial-h160-takes-to-the-skies.html

(Photo courtesy of Airbus Helicopters)

Cheers
 

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Still has those patching plates on the tail junction and the SM looking bracing mechanism. Airframe will join the three flying proto for further test.
 
Today the French Minister of the Armed Forces, Florence Parly, has announced that the launch of the Joint Light Helicopter (Hélicoptère Interarmées Léger; HIL) programme has been brought forward to 2021.

The HIL programme, for which the Airbus Helicopters’ H160 was selected in 2017, was initially scheduled for launch in 2022 by the current military budget law. Launching the programme earlier will enable delivery of the first H160Ms to the French Armed Forces to be advanced to 2026.


www.airbus.com

French Ministry of the Armed Forces brings development of future Joint Light Helicopter forward

The French Minister of the Armed Forces, Florence Parly, has announced that the launch of the Joint Light Helicopter (Hélicoptère Interarmées Léger; HIL) programme has been brought forward to 2021.
www.airbus.com www.airbus.com

A98E8A9F-2C23-4ECA-8AEC-BE6435E424BD.jpeg 42383613-0485-4A2B-91CC-5F9238FB6538.jpeg B9380F15-78E6-46C4-9194-BBF854CBCA58.jpeg
 
Let's be clear, the marketing guys did a good job: the grey wolf look as the tactical black paint job are awesome. It just lack an interview of Robocop jumping out of the beast to looks perfect!
 
I'm sure it will be a very useful tactical helicopter. My only question is how much armor and avionics are added and what does that do to the performance?
 
Since when Jane's does Sci-fi?

The H160M has officially been selected by the French ministry of the Armed Forces in 2019 within the frame of the Hélicoptère Interarmées Léger (Joint Light Helicopter) programme. It will be used by all three branches
Click to expand...
There was never a selection process or any review by the three army branches. The model was simply designated by the governement even after the lullaby to cut cost by basing it on a market success pitifully failed after Airbus was unable to sell more than a dozen of the concept to civilians.

But still, saving private Airbus (at all cost and beyond all logics) is now the first (suicidal?) mission of the Guépard. Let's hope it's not the only one.
 
TomcatViP said:
Since when Jane's does Sci-fi?

The H160M has officially been selected by the French ministry of the Armed Forces in 2019 within the frame of the Hélicoptère Interarmées Léger (Joint Light Helicopter) programme. It will be used by all three branches
Click to expand...
There was never a selection process or any review by the three army branches. The model was simply designated by the governement even after the lullaby to cut cost by basing it on a market success pitifully failed after Airbus was unable to sell more than a dozen of the concept to civilians.

But still, saving private Airbus (at all cost and beyond all logics) is now the first (suicidal?) mission of the Guépard. Let's hope it's not the only one.
Click to expand...

This is not new for France. It should work fine... Maybe the US Coast Guard will need new helicopters. B)
 
yasotay said:
This is not new for France. It should work fine... Maybe the US Coast Guard will need new helicopters. B)
Click to expand...

With the current MH-65 rebuilds, not until the mid-2030s, supposedly.
 

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