Rotorcraft
Airbus H160M on Course for 2026 Service Entry
France intends to acquire 169 H160Ms for the HIL program, comprising 80 for the army, 49 for the navy, and 40 for the air force.

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.Thales FlytX

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