H160

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.

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.

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.

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.