Airbus launches flight-test campaign with H160M maiden flight

The first of two H160M flying prototypes departs on its maiden flight from Airbus Helicopters' Marignane facility in France. (Airbus)

Airbus has begun flight trials of the H160M Guépard (Cheetah) helicopter for the French Armed Forces, with the maiden flight of the first of two flying prototypes on 24 July.

The military variant of the H160 departed Airbus Helicopters' Marignane production facility and headquarters in southern France.

“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,” CEO of Airbus Helicopters Bruno Even said.

As noted by Airbus Helicopters, the first prototype will primarily be used for validating the H160M's flight performance, and will conduct firing campaigns in 2026. The second flying prototype will be used for hot and cold weather campaigns, among other tests, while a third static prototype is being used for ground tests.

Delivery to the French Armed Forces of 169 H160Ms under the Joint Light Helicopter (Hélicoptère Interarmées Léger: HIL) programme will begin in late 2028. Airbus will provide maintenance and operational support for the type for an initial period of 10 years.

The H160M is the first helicopter in the Airbus range to be domestically equipped with a drone co-operation system, and is fitted with the Safran Euroflir 410 electro-optic/infrared (EO/IR) system and the Thales AirMaster C radar. The self-protection system is designed to operate across the electromagnetic and optical spectrum with automatic threat decoy capabilities.