Contributor - UK

David Donald

A partnership between Airbus Helicopters, Safran Helicopter Engines, and Babcock has&nbsp;delivered the first of six Airbus H160s to the Marine Nationale (French navy). They will be used for search and rescue (SAR) duties at locations around the French coast, allowing NH90s and Panthers to concentrate on their primary shipborne missions.

 


“The delivery of the first H160 to a military customer is a major milestone for the H160 program,” said Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters.&nbsp;“With this H160 we will strengthen our partnership with the French Navy, delivering the right helicopter for its critical search and rescue missions.”

 


The Direction Généralement de l’Armament (general armament directorate) signed a contract with the consortium in January 2020 for four commercial-standard H160s outfitted in SAR configuration, adding two more in May of the following year. The first H160 for the French Navy&nbsp;began&nbsp;test flights in February 2022 and was delivered to Babcock&nbsp;in May for outfitting with SAR equipment and a Safran Euroflir 410 electro-optical sensor system. Babcock will also participate in the maintenance of the helicopters, which are to be operated under a 10-year contract.

 


The H160s will first be assigned to Flottille 32F at Lanvéoc-Poulmic in Brittany, with detachments at Hyères (Provence) and Cherbourg (Normandy). Training support is likely to be conducted by Escadrille 22S at Lanvéoc.

 


France has acquired these H160s as an interim measure in advance of the <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2021-12-22/france-places-first-order-h160m-guepard-helicopter">major tri-service procurement</a> of a planned 169 fully militarized H160Ms—named Guépard (cheetah) in French military service. Experience with the SAR aircraft will be fed into the ongoing development of the H160M and its associated support systems. The first is expected in service with the French army in 2027, with the navy expecting its first Guépard Marine in 2029.

News and issues regarding all manner of civil and military rotorcraft and their powerplants, including helicopters, tilt rotors and unmanned air vehicles.

French Navy Receives First Airbus H160 for SAR Duties

Six civilian-standard helicopters are being taken into service by the Marine Nationale in advance of the first deliveries of militarized H160Ms.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

AmyWilder

News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

News about simulators and training procedures, as well as workforce.

Key innovations and safety updates event highlights

European Rotors 2024 Focuses on Vertical Flight Future

Matt Thurber

News and developments about aircraft engines, including turbofan, turboprop, turboshaft and piston.

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

Preowned helicopter specialist is expanding its capabilities

Rotortrade Partners with Safran, Joins Mentor Program

Includes the sale of the 100th Bell 505 in Europe

Bell Logs Sales for 505 and 407GXi Helicopters

News and information on safety procedures and concerns.

Six accidents, two with fatalities, took place during calendar year 2023

FAA Releases 2023 Helo Air Ambulance Ops Data Summary

Charles Alcock

Both manufacturers announced new business during the European Rotors trade show

Helicopter Operators Sign Orders with Airbus and Leonardo

How a long-time fixed-wing pilot transitions to the rotary-wing world

Learning To Fly Helicopters in the Guimbal Cabri G2

Mark Huber

News about significant aircraft accidents and information from accident reports.

Jury awards $116 million for doors-off crash victim

FlyNYON Tragedy Results in Hefty Jury Award

News and issues about aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), covering all segments of the aviation industry; and modifications for aircraft and engines. Subjects include product support of aircraft, engines and avionics, MRO company mergers, acquisitions, announcements and personnel, Airworthiness Directives, Supplemental Type Certificate approvals and other topics.

More In Rotorcraft