H160
Airbus’ next-generation helicopter
Innovation at its highest
The H160 opened a new chapter in the history of Airbus helicopters. Joining its rotorcraft product range in a size that is positioned between the company’s H145 and H175, this innovative medium helicopter became the first member of the H generation.
Mission ready
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 increased 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 and comfort enhanced
The H160 is one of the world’s most technologically advanced helicopters, designed and built to deliver the highest levels of operational safety while providing unmatched comfort for rotorcraft in its class.
It exceeds the requirements of the latest and most demanding regulations (European EASA CS-29 certification standards) and the most stringent guidelines from the International Association of Oil & Gas Producers (IOGP 690 and CAP best practices).
For pilots, the all-important situational awareness is significantly enhanced as a result of the H160’s heightened cockpit visibility, along with the helicopter’s flat attitude in all flight phases – including during landing and hovering. Airbus Helicopters’ Helionix avionics suite gives an all-in-one view of appropriate data whenever the flight crew needs it, reducing their workload.
In the cabin, the H160 offers the smoothest ride in all mission applications, from doctors treating MEDEVAC patients to carrying crews out to oil rigs, and flights with VIP passengers. Its cabin is specifically designed to provide a spacious and comfortable environment.
Airbus H160 automatic take off
Airbus H160 automatic take off
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 enable customers to manage their operations seamlessly.
Equipment locations have been optimised 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 maintenance plan aligned between engine and aircraft, the H160 offers optimised operating costs and a new standard in availability.
Right economic balance
With low fuel consumption, optimised maintenance costs and faster cruise speed, the H160 paves the way in economic competitiveness when measured against other helicopters in its class.
Fuel consumption is reduced by 18% compared to the previous class of engines for the same operations, while maintenance costs are reduced by nearly 15% on “airframe by the hour” and “service by the hour” options.
Game-changing support
The H160 has been designed to be maintained autonomously, even when far from the maintenance location. This eliminates the need for a return to home base every night.
Its maintenance plan is optimised – with both engine and airframe maintenance plans aligned – and has been defined in partnership with airworthiness authorities as well as operators. Additionally, the H160 benefits from new digital tools for maintenance which offer lower operating costs and a new standard in availability
Equipment locations have also been optimised for accessibility, like an easier 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.
Customer-centric economics
The H160’s economic competitiveness is based on three pillars: low fuel consumption, optimised maintenance costs, and faster cruise speeds when compared to other helicopters in its class.
Fuel consumption of its two 1,100 shp Arrano 1A turboshaft engines is reduced by 18% compared to the previous class of engines on the same operations. These latest-generation turboshaft power plants combine a highly efficient two-stage centrifugal compressor –developed in the European Clean Sky programme – with new-design variable inlet guide vanes (IGV).
End-to-end support and maintenance for the H160 have been optimised to ensure economic efficiency for all operations, and in all missions. Costs are reduced by nearly 15% on “airframe by the hour” and “service by the hour” options.
From offshore transportation and emergency medical services to public services and private/business aviation, the H160 recommended cruise speed above 135 kt. and fast cruise speed at 150 kt. enable the helicopter to complete its missions both rapidly and efficiently.
Delivering efficiency
With a 18% lower fuel consumption compared to previous-generation rotorcraft, the H160 is fully aligned with the aviation sector’s commitment to enhancing its sustainability. The helicopter is certified to operate with 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)/biofuel.
Contributing to the H160’s more sustainable operating profile are the distinctive Blue Edge main rotor blades with double-swept tips that reduce blade-vortex interaction for increased aerodynamic efficiency and lower noise levels. The latest version of Airbus’ Fenestron© shrouded tail rotor reduces the H160’s noise footprint while improving performance. Together, they contribute to making the H160 one of the quietest helicopters in its category – reducing perceived sound by 50% compared to helicopters with conventional blades.
Topics in focus
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H160 missions
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H160 technical information
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Military helicopters
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