The French Navy has taken supply of the primary of six H160s that may carry out search and rescue (SAR) missions. The plane is a part of the interim fleet that can be delivered by the partnership fashioned between Airbus Helicopters, Babcock, and Safran Helicopter Engines. In 2020 the French Armament Basic Directorate (DGA) signed a contract with Airbus Helicopters, Babcock, and Safran for the supply of 4 H160s in a search and rescue (SAR) configuration. In 2021, the DGA confirmed an possibility for 2 extra H160s. The primary H160 for the French Navy was delivered to Babcock by Airbus Helicopters in Might 2022. It has since then been modified into a lightweight navy configuration by Babcock.
“The supply of the primary H160 to a navy buyer is a significant milestone for the H160 programme”, mentioned Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters. “That is the primary public service model of the H160 to be delivered worldwide. Moreover, the supply takes place quickly after two H160s entered into service this summer time, in Brazil for the personal and enterprise aviation phase and in Japan for information gathering missions”, he added. “With this H160 we are going to strengthen our partnership with the French Navy, delivering the suitable helicopter for its important search and rescue missions. Along with our companions, we may also make sure that the H160 is prepared when wanted”.
Commercial
The modular cabin was additionally tailored for SAR operations and a Safran Euroflir 410 electro optical system was built-in. The H160 will progressively begin working from the Lanveoc-Poulmic naval air station (Brittany), Cherbourg airport (Normandy), and the naval air station in Hyères (Provence). The interim fleet of H160s will guarantee important search and rescue missions whereas awaiting the supply of the H160M Guépard. Within the body of the French Joint Mild Helicopter (Hélicoptère Interarmées Léger: HIL) programme, 169 H160M Guépards are foreseen to interchange 5 sorts of helicopters in service with the French armed forces. The French Navy’s operational suggestions with these H160s will profit the design of the navy model of the plane and its related assist system.
Babcock, in partnership with Airbus Helicopters and Safran Helicopters Engines, will guarantee the best degree of availability for the French Navy and the continuity of SAR operations on the Atlantic and the Mediterranean coasts. Constructed by Airbus Helicopters, the H160 is licensed for using night time imaginative and prescient goggles, that are obligatory for winching operations at night time. The H160, as a subsequent technology medium twin engine plane, powered by Arrano engines, is modular by design with a view to deal with missions starting from offshore transportation, personal and enterprise aviation, emergency medical providers, and public providers.
