The French Direction Générale de l'Armement (DGA) will supply four H160s to the French Navy for search and rescue missions through a partnership between Airbus Helicopters, Babcock and Safran Helicopter Engines. The French Navy will begin operating these helicopters in 2022 for a period of ten years. This temporary fleet of H160 will allow the French Navy to continue carrying out these critical missions after retiring from Alouette III service and awaiting Guépard deliveries. Airbus Helicopters and its partners will also be responsible for maintaining the fleet with a high level of availability and performance. In addition, operational feedback from the French Navy will be monitored for the benefit of the design of the military version of the H160 and its support system.
“We are proud that the French Navy will operate the H160 for its search and rescue missions. We are convinced that the improved flight control system, the greater assistance to pilots and the visibility offered by the H160 will be precious resources for these critical and demanding missions. Our industrial partnership with Babcock and Safran Helicopters Engine will allow us to guarantee the highest level of availability for the French Navy and we are honored to have been in charge of this mission "said Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters.
The H160 is a new generation medium twin-engine helicopter, powered by Arrano engines, thanks to its modularity it can face missions ranging from offshore transport, to private and commercial aviation, to emergency medical services and public services. Its entry into service is scheduled for the end of 2020. The first deliveries of the military version, the H160M, or Guépard as known in the French armed forces, which is also modular, are scheduled for 2026. Within the Hélicoptère Interarmées program Léger (HIL) 169 H160M are expected to replace five types of helicopters serving in the French armed forces.
