Departure
81%
vs 95% ▼ 14
MY FS FLIGHTS
MY FS FLIGHTS
The Airbus H160 is a clean-sheet, twin-engine medium helicopter from Airbus Helicopters, designed as a multi-mission platform covering offshore transport, emergency medical services, search and rescue, private and business aviation, and public service roles. It combines a large cabin, low vibration levels and a flat attitude in flight with a strong emphasis on maintainability, and has entered service with operators across Europe, the Americas and Asia since its introduction.
The H160 is a twin-engine, medium-class civil helicopter developed by Airbus Helicopters, built around a multi-mission philosophy that lets a single airframe be configured for offshore energy transport, helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS), search and rescue, aerial law enforcement, maritime patrol and private or business aviation. A dedicated business aviation variant, the ACH160, is offered through Airbus Corporate Helicopters, and a military variant, the H160M, is also part of the programme. Airbus positions the H160 as one of the world's most technologically advanced helicopters, incorporating 68 patented innovations and delivering an 18 percent fuel reduction compared with earlier designs in its class.
The H160 has progressively rolled out to operators worldwide, entering into service in Brazil, Japan, Saudi Arabia, France and other European countries before expanding into North America. The first H160 delivered in the United States went to PHI, marking the start of a route-proving programme in the Gulf of Mexico ahead of commercial offshore operations; PHI is taking an initial four aircraft for energy transport missions. The first Canadian delivery went to Chartright Air Group. On the EMS side, Memorial Hermann Life Flight in Houston became the first operator in the world to fly the H160 for helicopter emergency medical services, ordering one H160 alongside four H145s to replace its EC145 fleet; Life Flight has flown more than 166,000 missions since being founded in 1976 by trauma surgeon James 'Red' Duke. The type has also found favour with lessors, with leasing start-up GDHF signing for 50 H160 helicopters, describing it as the future of the medium helicopter segment. In France, an intermediary H160 fleet flies French Navy search and rescue missions, maintained by Babcock, while private and business operators such as Merck Aviation have adopted the type for corporate use.
The H160 is powered by two Safran Helicopter Engines Arrano 1A turboshafts delivering a combined takeoff power of 955 kW (1,280 shp). Maximum takeoff weight is 6,050 kg (13,338 lb), with a useful load of up to 2,000 kg (4,409 lb) and a standard fuel tank capacity of 1,120 kg (2,469 lb). The rotor diameter is 13.4 m (43.96 ft) and the D-value is 15.67 m (51.41 ft). The cabin, described by Airbus as the largest in its class, offers an internal volume of up to 7.3 cubic metres (257.8 cu ft) and features sliding doors. Standard seating accommodates one or two pilots plus up to 12 passengers, arranged in the offshore configuration as three rows of four seats, with the flexibility to remove the centre row for a stretcher. HEMS-configured aircraft can carry one or two stretchers in longitudinal or transversal positions, while public-service variants can be fitted out for maritime, search and rescue, or law enforcement equipment. Notable design features include Blue Edge rotor blades, which contribute to the H160 being described as the quietest helicopter in its class, together with low vibration levels and a flat attitude in flight. The aircraft was engineered from the outset for ease of maintenance, with built-in steps for technician access and cowlings that slide aside to allow upright working rather than crouching. It is also a pioneer of the 'digital hangar' concept, operating an entirely paperless maintenance system built around the Wireless Airborne Communication System (WACS), which automatically transfers flight and component data such as landings, cycle variations and component ageing to ground support teams after every flight. The ACH160 corporate variant can be configured for one or two pilots and up to 10 passengers.
The H160 has a recommended cruise speed of 255 km/h (138 kts) and a maximum range with standard fuel tanks of 890 km (480 NM), giving a maximum endurance of 4 hours 30 minutes. Maximum flight altitude is 6,096 m (20,000 ft), with a hover ceiling in ground effect (IGE) of 2,835 m (9,300 ft). The aircraft is certified across a flight envelope from -20 degrees C to ISA +37 degrees C, limited to 50 degrees C. In service, the type has demonstrated an availability rate of approximately 90 percent since entry into service. Pilots and operators highlight its low fuel consumption, ability to burn up to 50 percent blended sustainable aviation fuel, comfortable cabin, and excellent cockpit visibility, all of which Airbus cites as making it well suited to demanding offshore energy operations. The combination of low vibration and a flat attitude in flight is cited as contributing to a smoother, more comfortable ride for both crew and passengers, which is of particular value in EMS work.
The base H160 civil variant is configured for offshore transportation, HEMS, search and rescue, and public service missions through interchangeable cabin fits. The ACH160, marketed through Airbus Corporate Helicopters, is the dedicated private and business aviation version, configured for one or two pilots and up to 10 passengers to meet the standards expected in that market. The H160M is a military derivative of the type, referenced as part of Airbus's ongoing multi-mission and test programme for the design.
The H160 serves a wide span of roles, including offshore energy transport, helicopter emergency medical services, search and rescue, aerial law enforcement, maritime patrol, private and business aviation, and military missions. PHI operates the type for offshore transportation in the Gulf of Mexico following a dedicated route-proving programme, and Chartright Air Group became the first Canadian operator. Memorial Hermann Life Flight in Houston became the first operator worldwide to fly the H160 for HEMS, replacing EC145 aircraft. The French Navy operates an intermediary H160 fleet for search and rescue, with maintenance carried out by Babcock, while Merck Aviation is among the first private and business operators of the type. Leasing company GDHF has ordered 50 H160 helicopters to support operators across multiple market segments, including the offshore energy sector. By mid-2024 the H160 was in service in the United States, Canada, Brazil, Japan, Saudi Arabia, France and a number of other European countries.
Real-world pilot and operator feedback on the H160 emphasises a flat attitude in flight, low vibration levels and excellent cockpit visibility, qualities that make it a comfortable and reassuring aircraft to handle, particularly in demanding offshore and EMS operations. The type's sliding cabin doors and large cabin volume are frequently noted as passenger and crew comfort features rather than handling traits, while its digital, paperless maintenance ecosystem and Wireless Airborne Communication System reflect its status as a thoroughly modern, systems-heavy design that a simulator pilot exploring its avionics and systems depth would find rewarding.