Airbus Helicopters’ H160 intermediate twin has received Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA) type certification, and the initial delivery in that country will be to an undisclosed private buyer, the company told AIN. The H160 received EASA certification on July 1, 2020, and FAA validation on June 30, 2023. Civil market customers have ordered more than 100, and the fleet has accumulated more than 2,800 flight hours.
The helicopter also is certified in Japan, Brazil, and Saudi Arabia. Airbus has received substantial parapublic and military orders for the H160 including 50 from China’s GDAT and 10 from the National Gendarmerie—the French National Police—as part of a contract for the procurement of 169 militarized versions designated H160Ms for the French Ministry of Armed Forces. Offshore operator PHI is operating the helicopter in the Gulf of Mexico and ordered eight additional H160s in September.
The H160 has a mtow of 13,436 pounds with seating for up to 12 passengers and two crew. It has a cruise speed of up to 150 knots, a service ceiling of 20,000 feet, and a range of 475 nm with standard tanks. It is powered by a pair of 1,300 shp Safran Arrano 1A engines and features noise-reducing Blue Edge rotor blades, a canted Fenestron tail rotor, and Airbus Helicopters’ Helionix avionics.