The second prototype of the Airbus Helicopters H160 helicopter joined the flight test program after taking off today from Marignane, France...
The second prototype of the Airbus Helicopters H160 helicopter joined the flight test program after taking off today from Marignane, France.
The second prototype designated PT2 is the first H160 to powered by the Turbomeca Arrano engines, which will exclusively power the type.
The Pratt & Whitney PW1200 engine which powered the PT1 was discarded due to lack of option for increasing power.
Since Arrano's first ground run in February 2014, more than ten test engines have been running at Bordes (France) to demonstrate performance. Major development and certification tests now include a rigorous endurance evaluation campaign.
The turbine's fuel consumption target has already been achieved: data indicates a 10 to 15% reduction compared with current models.
Arrano is positioned at the leading-edge of the new Turbomeca generation of rotorcraft engine. The 1,100 to 1,300 shaft horse-power unit, designed for four-to-six ton helicopters, features an ideal combination of new and proven technologies that allow a significant reduction in direct maintenance and operating costs.
PT1 had accumulated more than 75 hours of flight testing by the end of 2015, allowing the aircraft to open the flight envelope and validating some of the helicopter’s excellent features and outstanding handling qualities right from the start.
The development program involves 5 development aircraft; two helicopter zeros for ground testing and three flying prototypes, to ensure a fully mature helicopter during entry into service in 2018.
The 5.5-6 ton class helicopter is the first-ever, fully-composite civil helicopter and is suited for oil and gas operations; public services, air medical and coast guard duties; along with commercial transport, private and business aviation.
The H160 features the breakthrough 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.
The second prototype designated PT2 is the first H160 to powered by the Turbomeca Arrano engines, which will exclusively power the type.
The Pratt & Whitney PW1200 engine which powered the PT1 was discarded due to lack of option for increasing power.
Since Arrano's first ground run in February 2014, more than ten test engines have been running at Bordes (France) to demonstrate performance. Major development and certification tests now include a rigorous endurance evaluation campaign.
The turbine's fuel consumption target has already been achieved: data indicates a 10 to 15% reduction compared with current models.
Arrano is positioned at the leading-edge of the new Turbomeca generation of rotorcraft engine. The 1,100 to 1,300 shaft horse-power unit, designed for four-to-six ton helicopters, features an ideal combination of new and proven technologies that allow a significant reduction in direct maintenance and operating costs.
PT1 had accumulated more than 75 hours of flight testing by the end of 2015, allowing the aircraft to open the flight envelope and validating some of the helicopter’s excellent features and outstanding handling qualities right from the start.
The development program involves 5 development aircraft; two helicopter zeros for ground testing and three flying prototypes, to ensure a fully mature helicopter during entry into service in 2018.
The 5.5-6 ton class helicopter is the first-ever, fully-composite civil helicopter and is suited for oil and gas operations; public services, air medical and coast guard duties; along with commercial transport, private and business aviation.
The H160 features the breakthrough 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.
