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Airbus H160 receives EASA approval

Airbus Helicopters’ multi-role, twin-engine H160 has been granted its Type Certificate by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA. The company is expecting FAA certification to follow shortly prior to first delivery to an undisclosed U.S. customer later this year.

“This achievement represents years of hard work designing, industrializing and defining the support ecosystem with our suppliers and partners and I would like to thank everyone who has dedicated their time and energy to turning this next generation helicopter into reality,” said Bruno Even, CEO, Airbus Helicopters.

As part of the H160 program, Airbus relied on three prototypes, the first serial aircraft, and two additional test aircraft (Dynamic Helicopter zero and System Helicopter Zero), to develop and certify the aircraft. The helicopters have flown more than 1,500 hours for flight tests and demo flights.

“The design of the H160 makes it suitable for a wide range of versatile missions. It is also one of the most environmentally friendly with respect to fuel consumption and one of the quietest helicopters of its class,” said Rachel Daeschler, certification director, EASA.

Designed as a multi-role helicopter for missions like offshore transportation, emergency medical services, private and business aviation, and public services, the H160 integrates Airbus Helicopters’ Helionix’s accrued pilot assistance and automated features, as well as flight envelop protection. The helicopter also incorporates sound-reducing Blue Edge blades.

Airbus also points to the H160’s simplified maintenance ecosystem, with equipment accessibility facilitated by the helicopter’s optimized architecture. The H160 maintenance plan was verified during the Operator Zero campaigns, and it is delivered with 3D maintenance documentation.