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2016-09-07
Spotlight on the Airbus Helicopters H160
The aircraft demonstrates next-generation passenger experience in flight tests
Airbus Helicopters recently announced the validation of the H160’s aeromechanical configuration, an important milestone allowing the programme teams to confirm some key aspects of the next-generation, twin-engine helicopter’s design and performance.
“Thanks to more than 200 hours accumulated in flight-testing, and with the achievement of this formal programme milestone, we have been able to confirm several key design assumptions and even exceed some of them against a real-life environment”, said Bernard Fujarski, Senior Vice President in charge of the H160 programme. “With the helicopter’s flight envelope now fully opened, we are confident that our next-generation helicopter will set new standards of flight experience for passengers and crews.”
During its on-going flight-test campaign, carried out with two prototypes in the company’s main site in Marignane, France, the H160 has demonstrated exceptionally low vibration levels along with remarkable aircraft stability levels, setting new benchmarks in the field.
“Vibration levels have been a key objective since the launch of programme, and observed results give us confidence that the H160 will set new comfort standards for all missions segments, from EMS to passenger transport or private and business aviation. We can’t wait for our customers to experience this exceptional level of comfort themselves,” Fujarski added.
Next steps of the flight campaign will focus on hot weather trials, to take place over the summer, followed by continued performance testing of the Arrano engines, now equipping both prototypes, as well as cold weather tests later in the year. A third prototype will join the flight-test programme next year to support the certification process ahead of the H160’s entry into service.
H160 is a medium utility helicopter that was launched at Heli-Expo in Orlando, Florida on 3 March 2015. It is intended to replace the AS365 and EC155 models. Joining the product range between the H145 (formerly EC145) and the H175 (formerly EC175), this medium helicopter is the first new member of the H generation.
Design
According to Airbus, the entire design was based on one overriding goal, to create added value for customers in terms of performance, economic competitiveness, safety and comfort. Both cleaner and quieter, the H160 takes a step forward in respect for the environment. Configurations being developed include offshore transportation, business and private aviation, public services, and commercial passenger transport.
The H160 takes advantage of several advanced manufacturing technologies and materials in order to produce a lighter, more efficient design, according to reports. One weight-saving measure is the replacement of conventional hydraulic landing gear and brakes with electrical counterparts, the first helicopter in the world to do so; according to Airbus the elimination of hydraulic components makes the rotorcraft both lighter and safer. Reportedly, during the aircraft’s development, features such as full de-icing equipment and a fly-by-wire control system were deemed too heavy or costly for the benefits involved and were eliminated.
The H160 is the first rotorcraft to feature the Blue Edge five-bladed main rotor. This incorporates a double-swept shape that reduces the noise generation of blade-vortex interactions (BVI), a phenomenon which occurs when the blade impacts a vortex created at its tip, resulting in a 3–4 dB noise reduction and raising the effective payload by 100 kg.
Guillaume Faury, Airbus Helicopters CEO said, “The public response to the H160 has been fantastic and we have started discussions with customers for different mission configurations for the H160. Development is now moving forward with two prototypes flying and a third one being built, meaning that we will soon be able to confirm the aircraft’s performance details that are essential to our customers.”
Carrying out 20 per cent more flight hours per month than previous developments at the same stage thanks to the System Helicopter 0 & Dynamic Helicopter 0 ground test facilities, the first prototype (PT1) has logged around 100 hours. The second prototype (PT2), has started performance flight tests with Turbomeca’s Arrano engine. The third prototype (PT3) will join its fellow aircraft in 2017 and will essentially be employed to develop the different mission configurations, testing cabin interiors and optionals that will be available to customers.
The H160 will pioneer a brand new industrial model, improving competitiveness and customer satisfaction with the final assembly being performed in 18 weeks instead of 36 for the previous generation. Having partnered with Latécoère Services for a state-of-the-art integrated final assembly line for which the first station will be implemented at the end of 2016, the H160 is gearing up to its serial production. This automated moving flow line will be comprised of two production lines, each equipped with several workstations capable of assembling the different H160 configurations.
Airbus Helicopters associated key operators to the EASA-led MSG-3 process so that all inspection or maintenance requirements have been questioned, all intervals have been challenged, and the resulting maintenance schedule will significantly reduce the maintenance burden and improves aircraft availability. The H160 will be as simple to maintain as a light twin helicopter.
Support and Services
The H160 support and services strategy relies on the digital continuity development process implemented from the beginning of the program. Digital servicing enables a seamless management of operators’ evolving business whether it is airworthiness, maintenance, material management, or training. The H160 will implement a paperless multi-support philosophy, enabling a quick and accurate information exchange and allowing our customers to make decisions faster. With the recent signature of the full-flight simulator partnership with Thales and Helisim, Airbus Helicopters also wants to ensure best in class safety from entry into service for its future customers.
VIP version
Airbus Helicopters and Falcon Aviation recently signed a letter of intent for a VIP version of the H160.
“The H160 is a natural choice as it embodies our company’ standards of high quality, safety and innovation,” said Capt. Raman Oberoi, COO of Falcon Aviation. “The H160 is to set new standards for VIP travelling and we look forward to offering this exclusive aircraft to our loyal customers.”
Faury said, “With the H160, our goal is to set the benchmark in a variety of mission segments, including Private & Business Aviation. The market response to the aircraft has been very positive so far and we will be up to our customers’ expectations.”
The H160 offers an ultimate VIP experience with its sleek lines and an interior design that highlights passenger comfort provided by the low sound levels, excellent visibility with its panoramic windows and excellent stability in flight.
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