In 2021 the Hélicoptère Interarmées Léger (HIL, joint light helicopter) program is due to be officially launched by France. The Airbus Helicopters H160M—a dedicated military version of the civilian six tonne H160 that is due to enter service next year—has been selected to meet the requirement, and is expected to make its first flight in 2023.
The military helicopter will benefit from the many innovations introduced by the H160, such as being designed in a totally digital environment, and its design optimization for ease of maintenance and alignment of maintenance schedules between airframe, systems, and engine servicing.
The new Safran Arrano engines offer a 15 percent fuel-burn reduction compared to similarly powered powerplants. The H160 features the Thales FlytX avionics suite, with four 15-inch touchscreen displays that will be used for display of all data, including imagery from sensors and other tactical displays.
To begin with, the H160M Guépard (cheetah) is being tailored to meet the French program that is replacing a number of current types serving with the French army, navy, and air force. As part of the militarization, the H160M will be equipped with a range of communications systems, tailored to meet cybersecurity requirements and varying levels of data classification.
Sensors planned for the Guépard are a Euroflir 410 electro-optical system and a Thales multirole tactical radar that is now in development. The radar will offer various search and targeting capabilities and will feature three flat electronically-scanned antenna arrays that will be located in an arrangement that provides near 360-degree coverage around the helicopter. A self-protection suite will be installed but has yet to be selected.
Weaponry will comprise axial side-mounted gun and rocket pods, including the ability to fire laser-guided rockets. The naval version will also be able to launch the MBDA Sea Venom anti-ship missile. Machine guns and sniper rifles can be mounted in the cabin doors.
Internally the cabin can be configured for up to 12 passengers or at least five fully equipped commandos. A typical SAR fit could accommodate two stretchers and five troops. The H160M could be fitted with a refueling probe, and Airbus is awaiting a go-ahead for development from the DGA, the French defense procurement agency. In September an H160 development aircraft was flown behind an A400M to evaluate its behavior in the wake of the tanker platform. Flown by both Airbus and DGA pilots, the trials produced positive results to validate the feasibility of inflight refueling.
Under current plans, France intends to acquire 169 H160Ms for the HIL program, including 80 for the army, 49 for the navy, and 40 for the air force. First deliveries are expected for the army in 2026, with the navy receiving its first machines in 2028 and the air force thereafter.
Airbus has already received some preliminary interest from potential export customers but is currently focused on satisfying the French forces requirement and could not deliver machines for export any earlier than 2026.
In 2021 the Hélicoptère Interarmées Léger (HIL, joint light helicopter) program is due to be officially launched by France. The Airbus Helicopters H160M—a dedicated military version of the civilian six tonne H160 that is due to enter service next year—has been selected to meet the requirement, and is expected to make its first flight in 2023.
The new Safran Arrano engines offer a 15 percent fuel-burn reduction compared to similarly powered powerplants. The H160 features the Thales FlytX avionics suite, with four 15-inch touchscreen displays.
To begin with, the H160M Guépard (cheetah) is being tailored to meet the French program that is replacing a number of current types serving with the French army, navy, and air force. As part of the militarization, the H160M will be equipped with a range of communications systems, tailored to meet cybersecurity requirements and varying levels of data classification.
Sensors planned for the Guépard are a Euroflir 410 electro-optical system and a Thales multirole tactical radar that is now in development. The radar will offer various search and targeting capabilities and will feature three flat electronically-scanned antenna arrays that will be located in an arrangement that provides near 360-degree coverage around the helicopter. A self-protection suite will be installed but has yet to be selected.
Weaponry will comprise axial side-mounted gun and rocket pods, including the ability to fire laser-guided rockets. The naval version will also be able to launch the MBDA Sea Venom anti-ship missile.
Internally the cabin can be configured for up to 12 passengers or at least five fully equipped commandos. A typical SAR fit could accommodate two stretchers and five troops. The H160M could be fitted with a refueling probe, and Airbus is awaiting a go-ahead for development from the DGA, the French defense procurement agency.
Under current plans, France intends to acquire 169 H160Ms for the HIL program, including 80 for the army, 49 for the navy, and 40 for the air force. First deliveries are expected for the army in 2026, with the navy receiving its first machines in 2028 and the air force thereafter.