Aircraft

Airbus H160 helicopter makes its first flight

Airbus H160 helicopter makes its first flight
The Airbus H160 being taken on its first flight, at Le Bourget Airport outside of Paris
The Airbus H160 being taken on its first flight, at Le Bourget Airport outside of Paris
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A full-size model of the Airbus H160, on display at the Paris Air show
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A full-size model of the Airbus H160, on display at the Paris Air show
Although the H160 was introduced at the Heli-Expo trade show back in March, its first flight took place on June 13th and was announced this week at the Paris Air Show
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Although the H160 was introduced at the Heli-Expo trade show back in March, its first flight took place on June 13th and was announced this week at the Paris Air Show
A biplane-type stabilizer on the H160's tail boosts performance and handling, while a canted fenestron lessens noise
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A biplane-type stabilizer on the H160's tail boosts performance and handling, while a canted fenestron lessens noise
Inside the cockpit of the H160
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Inside the cockpit of the H160
The H160 is the most recent addition to Airbus' H generation of helicopters, and is reportedly both cleaner-running and quieter than its stablemates
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The H160 is the most recent addition to Airbus' H generation of helicopters, and is reportedly both cleaner-running and quieter than its stablemates
The H160 can be configured for applications such as offshore transportation, business and private aviation, public services, and commercial passenger transport
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The H160 can be configured for applications such as offshore transportation, business and private aviation, public services, and commercial passenger transport
The H160 has a "new generation" turboshaft engine, which is reportedly more powerful than its predecessors while also being more fuel-efficient and producing less CO2 emissions
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The H160 has a "new generation" turboshaft engine, which is reportedly more powerful than its predecessors while also being more fuel-efficient and producing less CO2 emissions
The new Airbus H160 medium-lift helicopter
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The new Airbus H160 medium-lift helicopter
The new Airbus H160 medium-lift helicopter
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The new Airbus H160 medium-lift helicopter
The new Airbus H160 medium-lift helicopter
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The new Airbus H160 medium-lift helicopter
The new Airbus H160 medium-lift helicopter
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The new Airbus H160 medium-lift helicopter
The new Airbus H160 medium-lift helicopter
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The new Airbus H160 medium-lift helicopter
The Airbus H160 being taken on its first flight, at Le Bourget Airport outside of Paris
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The Airbus H160 being taken on its first flight, at Le Bourget Airport outside of Paris
The Airbus H160 being taken on its first flight, at Le Bourget Airport outside of Paris
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The Airbus H160 being taken on its first flight, at Le Bourget Airport outside of Paris
The Airbus H160 being taken on its first flight, at Le Bourget Airport outside of Paris
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The Airbus H160 being taken on its first flight, at Le Bourget Airport outside of Paris
The Airbus H160 being taken on its first flight, at Le Bourget Airport outside of Paris
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The Airbus H160 being taken on its first flight, at Le Bourget Airport outside of Paris
The new Airbus H160 medium-lift helicopter
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The new Airbus H160 medium-lift helicopter
The new Airbus H160 medium-lift helicopter
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The new Airbus H160 medium-lift helicopter
View gallery - 18 images

A couple of days ago, we heard how Airbus Helicopters had announced the concept phase of its planned X6 heavy-lift helicopter. That aircraft will borrow some features from the company's new H160 medium-lift model. Although the H160 was introduced at the Heli-Expo trade show back in March, its first flight took place on June 13th and was announced this week at the Paris Air Show.

The H160 is the most recent addition to Airbus' H generation of helicopters, and is reportedly both cleaner-running and quieter than its stablemates. It can be configured for applications such as offshore transportation, business and private aviation, public services, and commercial passenger transport.

Among its features is a lightweight full-composite airframe, which is said to contribute to the robustness of the aircraft while also requiring less maintenance. It also has a "new generation" Arrano turboshaft engine, which is reportedly more powerful than its predecessors while also being more fuel-efficient and producing 20 percent less CO2 emissions per passenger.

A full-size model of the Airbus H160, on display at the Paris Air show
A full-size model of the Airbus H160, on display at the Paris Air show

The aircraft's noise levels are lessened by up to 50 percent, both through the use of Airbus' swept-back Blue Edge rotor blades and a canted fenestron (a ducted fan-style tail rotor). The rotors and fenestron are also claimed to aid in stability, increasing passenger comfort. A biplane-type stabilizer on the tail additionally boosts performance and handling.

Finally, electrically-controlled landing gear allows the H160 to carry a heavier payload (exact figures aren't available) and lessens maintenance requirements.

Last Saturday's maiden flight can be seen in the video below.

Source: Airbus Helicopters

H160 completes first flight

View gallery - 18 images
5 comments
5 comments
C.y.Lim
Awesome! That looks nice. But still prefer the V-280.
Bob809
Very nice, however, it would have been nice to actually hear how quiet this helicopter is. Less music, more real sound please.
DrKnock
Yes, what is that music for?
habakak
Come to think of it. It would be terrific to have autonomous helicopters. The pilot and co-pilot take up the space of 2 paying passengers/customers (and possibly more). And you have to pay the pilots. So it's a double cost-saving. In small vehicles like helicopters this makes a lot of sense. It could possibly lead to much lower helicopter fares and increased use for commuting or leisure.
warren52nz
Strange... it sounds just like music. I agree with the others who commented similarly. If you're advertising "quiet" then let's hear it.