Airbus Helicopters' H160 recently flew for the first time from the company's facility in Marignane, France, shortly after beginning its ground runs at the end of May. The aircraft flew for about 40 minutes in ground effect, allowing the flight test team to check its overall behaviour and to verify measurements.

“The first flight was very promising in terms of stability, vibrations, and sound levels,” says flight test pilot Olivier Gensse.

The flight test campaign has now been launched and the second outing for the aircraft a few days later saw it reach 130 kts.

“We are very proud that the H160 has reached another milestone on time,” comments Bernard Fujarski, head of the H160 programme. “The dedication of the team working on the programme has paid off and we are all looking forward to the final development phase to bring this highly anticipated helicopter to the market.”

In order to complete the final development phase and to ensure the type's entry into service in 2018, Airbus Helicopters is relying on three dedicated prototypes and two helicopter zero integration tests. The first prototype has its first hot weather flight tests planned for this summer. The second prototype performed its first power-on in June.