The concept phase start-up for a new European helicopter, the Airbus Helicopters X6, has been announced, initiating a two-year definition period on this next generation heavy lift rotorcraft. The X6 will initially target the oil and gas sector but will also be capable of search and rescue, vip and other civil missions.

The X6 is the latest arrival in Airbus Helicopters' H generation, since the unveiling of the H160 at Heli-Expo in March this year.

“The X6 will be for the heavy segment in the next decade what the H160 is today for the mediums,” comments president and ceo Guillaume Faury. “It will set new standards in the industry not only for design, but for its production strategy as well, as we will rely on the industrial capacities of our core countries, including Poland.

“Our objective is to bring to the market the most efficient helicopter solutions adapted for how our customers' needs and the industry itself will evolve in the future.”