© Copyright Thierry Rostang - 2015 The flight test campaign of the Airbus Helicopters new generation H160 medium lift helicopter has...
 |
© Copyright Thierry Rostang - 2015
|
The flight test campaign of the Airbus Helicopters new generation H160 medium lift helicopter has been launched, following maiden flight on June 13, from Marignane, France.
The flight envelope is being progressively opened, with the aircraft already achieving 130 kts speed, during the second flight on Wednesday, June 17.
In order to complete this final development phase and to ensure the H160's entry into service in 2018, Airbus Helicopters is relying on three dedicated prototypes and two helicopter zero integration test means.
The first prototype will pursue its flight test campaign, including its first hot weather flight tests planned for this summer. The second prototype performed its first power-on 12 June.
With a cruise speed of 160 kts., the H160 can carry 12 passengers at distances of up to 120 NM. for oil and gas missions, and a 450-NM range with 20-minute reserve in public service or search and rescue tasks.
The H160 is the first-ever, fully-composite civil helicopter, resulting in an airframe that is lighter in weight, more robust, resistant to corrosion and fatigue, while requiring less maintenance.
Airbus Helicopters’ proven Spheriflex bearingless main rotor hub is further enhanced with the application of innovative composite thermoplastic technology – which reduces weight and increases damage tolerance.
The distinctive design of the H160 includes two Airbus Helicopter firsts, both offering improved performance and flight stability: the largest-ever Fenestron® shrouded tail rotor, which is also double-canted at 12-deg. angles, further enhancing anti-torque control efficiency; and the all-new Biplane Stabilizer™, whose unique design involves a staggered placement of the dual-level, interconnected stabilizers. This feature facilitates pilot maneuvers and significantly reduces aerodynamic penalties in low-speed flight and hover.
An additional H160 technology breakthrough is Airbus Helicopters’ initial production use of its Blue Edge® main rotor blades, which reduce exterior noise levels by 50 percent (3 dB) and also allow a payload increase of up to 100 kg. when compared to traditional rotor blades, depending on flight conditions.
The 5.5-6-ton-class rotorcraft will be exclusively powered by Turbomeca 1,100-shp. Arrano turboshaft engine, enabling to achieve 15-20 percent more fuel efficiency.
