Rotorcraft
Airbus H160 challenges Leonardo AW139
FAA certification in hand, Airbus H160 takes on the competition.
Airbus Helicopters H160
FAA approval for Airbus Helicopters’ H160 came three years after the model was certified by EASA. (Photo: Airbus Helicopters)

Airbus Helicopters is about to cash-in a big bet. In late June the company received FAA certification for its H160 medium-class twin—exactly three years after it received EASA certification and eight years after the helicopter was first announced as a replacement for the company’s AS365 and H155.

The approval clears the way for deliveries into the U.S. where Sikorsky has discontinued manufacture of the S-76D medium twin, which presents an opportunity.