Airbus Helicopters has initiated the flight-testing phase for the H160M Guépard helicopter, a military variant that builds on the civil H160 platform.
This version is being developed specifically for the French Armed Forces under the Joint Light Helicopter programme.
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The inaugural flight test team included Samuel Chartier, pilot for the H160M flight tests, and flight test engineers Nicolas Certain, Laurent Maruejols, and Alban Corpron.
Airbus H160M features Thales’ FlytX avionics suite, a specialised mission system and a built-in drone cooperation system, the first in Airbus’ lineup.
It also features sensors, including Safran’s Euroflir 410 electro-optical system and Thales’ AirMaster C radar.
The aircraft’s self-protection system can operate across the entire electromagnetic and optical spectrum, with automatic decoy measures, Airbus said.
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By GlobalDataWith Airbus’ HForce weapon system, the H160M can be outfitted with various armaments including 12.7mm machine gun pods, guided rockets, and 7.62mm machine guns mounted on a pintle or an articulated arm for precision targeting.
Airbus is constructing three prototypes of the H160M.
The first prototype’s primary function is to validate flight performance and undertake firing tests scheduled for 2026.
The second prototype, nearing completion of assembly, will undergo environmental testing in extreme temperatures among other evaluations.
The H160M will serve as a unified platform for the Army, Navy, and Air and Space Force of France.
Airbus Helicopters CEO Bruno Even said: “The start of the flight test campaign is a major milestone for the H160M programme. We have received excellent feedback from the French Navy on the performance of their six H160s, which have proven themselves with a high availability rate. Deployed for over two years on search and rescue missions at sea, these aircraft have demonstrated outstanding performance and reliability levels in a demanding environment.
“The H160M is an aircraft tailored for tomorrow’s military operations: reliable, agile, highly connected, and equipped with the latest generation of sensors and weaponry. Most importantly, it is highly scalable and can adapt to changing operational contexts.”
The French Ministry of Armed Forces intends to acquire 169 units of the H160M to replace five different helicopter models currently or recently in service.
Deliveries to the French Armed Forces are listed to commence in late 2028.
Additionally, Airbus has committed to providing maintenance and operational support for an initial ten-year period.
