Airbus Helicopters' third H160 prototype (PT3) has performed its maiden flight at the OEM's headquarters in Marignane, France. PT3 has a cabin interior configuration similar to that of a serial aircraft, and will contribute to certification activities and flight testing ahead of entry into service in 2019.

The first two prototypes have clocked more than 500 flight hours since the model's maiden flight in June 2015. Since then, the flight envelope has been fully tested. Remaining development, such as complementary hot weather testing, antennas and optional equipment will be carried out using all three aircraft.

The helicopter's final assembly line in Marignane is in the last stages of preparation and will be ready to start serial production shortly. The first version to enter service in 2019 will be the passenger transport model for commercial air transport or oil and gas, followed by the EMS version.