Airbus recently presented its cutting-edge, twin-engine H160 helicopter in Malaysia, offering a firsthand look at the medium-class rotorcraft. The H160 is engineered to establish new benchmarks for safety, comfort, and environmental performance, and received type certification from the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) in October 2023. The company also calls attention to its premium version, the ACH160.

The H160 incorporates advanced technologies such as noise-reducing Blue Edge rotor blades, a canted Fenestron tail rotor designed to enhance useful load, and Airbus Helicopters’ Helionix avionics suite to minimize 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.”

Thomas Zeman, Head of Sales and Marketing, Asia-Pacific, Airbus Helicopters

Designed to meet the needs of pilots and technicians across a broad range of mission segments, the H160 enhances customer value through improved performance, greater availability, economic competitiveness, innovation, safety, and comfort. Already operational in diverse configurations globally, the H160 serves customers in key areas including energy, private and business aviation, emergency medical services, search-and-rescue, law enforcement, and military operations. Over 30 H160s have entered service in 13 countries for various missions worldwide.

Passengers can expect a comfortable flight experience with increased volume per passenger compared to other medium-twin helicopters, as well as larger windows that create the brightest cabin in its class. The H160 also boasts an 18% reduction in fuel consumption and a 50% reduction in perceived sound, contributing to a reduced carbon footprint. These features, combined with optimized maintenance costs and faster cruise speeds, make the H160 economically competitive.

For those seeking a premium experience, the ACH160 represents the latest offering from Airbus Corporate Helicopters and the most technologically advanced helicopter in its class. This model integrates 68 patented Airbus Helicopters technologies to deliver a step change in customer experience and sets a new standard for style, performance, economic competitiveness, maintenance, safety, comfort, and low environmental impact.

The ACH160 provides 20% greater volume per passenger and 35% larger windows than competing models, resulting in the brightest cabin in its class. Coupled with an exceptionally smooth and quiet ride, the ACH160’s advanced air conditioning technology allows precise temperature control and optimal cabin air quality.

The ACH160 Exclusive version also features mood lighting to reduce fatigue. Interior options consist of the clean and elegant ACH Line configuration, the ACH Line with Lounge Package for increased comfort while optimising aircraft weight, and the Exclusive interior, designed with Pegasus Design to create a timeless and sophisticated environment.

Key specifications of the ACH160 include a maximum take-off weight of 6,050 kg, fuel-efficient Safran Helicopter Engines Arrano, a fast cruise speed of 285 km/h (155 kts), and a range of over 850 km (460 NM). The aircraft can accommodate up to eight (8) passengers in the Exclusive configuration or up to 10 passengers in the Line configuration.

The front and central fuselage of the ACH160 are produced and assembled in Donauworth, Germany; the blades are produced in Paris-Le-Bourget; the tail boom is assembled in Albacete, Spain; and the dynamic components are produced and the final assembly takes place in Marignane, France. The ACH160 implements a paperless multi-support philosophy, leveraging digital technologies for quick and accurate information exchange, enabling customers to make decisions faster, and is designed for simple maintenance. The first ACH160s are already in service in Brazil and Europe with private customers.

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Photo credits: Airbus Helicopters