A prototype H160M Guépard, the new Airbus helicopter destined for the French Navy as well as its Army and Air Force, has flown for the first time.
As per a recent company press statement, Airbus Helicopters has just started flight-testing the new aircraft, a military version of its existing H160 platform, at its Marignane base.
The French government has ordered 169 of the helicopters to replace five separate rotary-wing platforms currently in use across the three branches of its Armed Forces.
The first of three prototypes being produced will be used initially to validate flight systems, with weapons testing scheduled to start next year. Delivery of the aircraft to the Armed Forces is expected to begin from 2028 onwards.
The French Navy has been operating six H160s for the past two years on maritime search and rescue missions.
Airbus Helicopters CEO Bruno Even claimed La Marine Nationale had provided “excellent feedback” adding, “These aircraft have demonstrated outstanding performance and reliability levels in a demanding environment.”
Calling the start of the flight test campaign “a major milestone for the H160M programme,” he commented: “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 first Airbus helicopter to be fitted with a native drone-cooperation system, the H160M also features Safran’s new Euroflir 410 electro-optical system and Thales’ AirMaster C radar, along with electromagnetic and optical self-protection systems and automatically deployed decoys.
Airbus’ HForce weapon system can integrate a range of armaments including 12.7 mm machine guns in pods and guided rockets. The platform can also accommodate 7.62 mm machine guns on a pintle mount or articulated arm.
- You can read more details on the Airbus website