KUALA LUMPUR: Airbus showcased its next generation twin-engine H160 in Malaysia recently, giving Malaysians a first-hand experience of the innovative medium-class helicopter that sets a new benchmark in terms of safety, comfort, and environmental performance.
The H160, which was granted type certification by the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) in October 2023, features cutting-edge technologies, including noise-reducing Blue Edge rotor blades, a canted Fenestron tail rotor for greater useful load, and Airbus Helicopters’ Helionix avionics suite for reduced pilot workload.
“The H160 has set a new standard in the helicopter industry and we are pleased that Malaysia operators can now experience the aircraft’s superior performance first hand. The H160’s lower fuel consumption, its ability to use up to 50% blended SAF, comfortable cabin, and excellent cockpit visibility make it ideally suited for multiple missions. We look forward to seeing more H160 flying in the Malaysian skies soon,” said Thomas Zeman, Head of Sales and Marketing, Asia-Pacific, Airbus Helicopters.
The aircraft is uniquely equipped to meet the needs of pilots and technicians across all mission segments. It delivers added value for customers through enhanced performance and availability, economic competitiveness, innovation, safety, and comfort.
The H160 is already in service in many configurations around the globe. It now has customers for all key mission segments that it was designed to address: energy, private and business aviation, emergency medical services, search-and-rescue, law enforcement, and military.
With the H160, customers appreciate flying comfortably with an increase in volume per passenger compared to other medium-twin helicopters, as well as larger windows, creating the brightest cabin in its class.
Additionally, with a 18% reduction in fuel consumption and 50% reduction in perceived sound, the H160 allows customers to take a step toward reducing their carbon footprint. With low fuel consumption, optimised maintenance costs and faster cruise speed, the H160 paves the way in economic competitiveness when measured against other helicopters in its class.
To-date, over 30 H160s have entered into service in 13 countries, for various missions around the world.
