Helicopter lessor Milestone Aviation is adding six Airbus H160 medium twins to its order book for missions such as offshore transport and helicopter air ambulance. Deliveries are set to begin in 2023. The H160 received EASA certification on July 1 and features a design that incorporates noise-reducing Blue Edge swept-tip main blades, all-composite airframe, flat-floor cabin, and the Helionix avionics system with accrued pilot assistance and flight envelope protection.
The aircraft is powered by a pair of 1,300-shp Safran Arrano engines that feature a two-stage centrifugal compressor and variable inlet guide vanes, which cut fuel consumption in all phases of flight. They help propel the H160 to its maximum cruise speed of 150 knots and service ceiling of 20,000 feet and give it a maximum range on standard tanks of 475 nm.
“We are proud that a longstanding customer such as Milestone is renewing its trust once again in Airbus helicopters. I am convinced that the level of innovation that the H160 brings to the market, whether it is passenger comfort, advanced pilot assistance, or its competitiveness thanks to its increased fuel efficiency and simplified maintenance eco-system, combined with its inherent flexibility will make it a valuable asset to their operations,” said Airbus Helicopters CEO Bruno Even.