H160 demonstrates next-generation passenger experience in flight tests

The aeromechanical configuration of Airbus Helicopters H160 has been validated.

As part of the validation, several of the key design aims have been confirmed and exceeded during test flights. The H160 has exceptionally low vibration levels along with remarkable aircraft stability levels, which are expected to set new standards for the flight experience for passengers and crews and new benchmarks in the field.

“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. We can’t wait for our customers to experience this exceptional level of comfort themselves”, said Bernard Fujarski, Senior Vice President in charge of the H160 programme.

The validation is a milestone for the programme teams allowing them to confirm the abilities of the twin-engine helicopter’s design and performance.

“Thanks to more than 200 hours 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” Fujarski added.

During the ongoing flight-test campaign, which was carried out with two prototypes at the Airbus Helicopter main site in Marignane, France, the H160 has demonstrated

The next steps for the H160 flight campaign will focus on hot weather trials, and will take place over the summer. This will be followed by continued performance testing of the Arrano engines – now equipping both prototypes. Cold weather tests later in the year.

A third prototype will join the flight-test programme next year to support the certification process ahead of the H160’s entry into service.