H160 demonstrates next-generation passenger experience in flight tests

• Several key design assumptions confirmed and exceeded during flight tests
• Unprecedentedly low vibration levels to set new standards of flight experience for passengers and crews
• Aeromechanical configuration frozen and flight envelope fully opened

Marignane, Airbus Helicopters today announced the validation of the H160’s aeromechanical configuration – a crucial milestone allowing the programme teams to confirm some key aspects of the next-generation, 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”, said Bernard Fujarski, Senior Vice President in charge of the H160 programme. “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”, he added.

During its ongoing flight-test campaign, carried out with two prototypes in the company’s main site in Marignane, France, the H160 has demonstrated exceptionally low vibration levels along with remarkable aircraft stability levels, setting 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”, Fujarski added.

Next steps of the flight campaign will focus on hot weather trials, to take place over the summer, followed by continued performance testing of the Arrano engines – now equipping both prototypes – as well as 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.