www.privateairny.com Private Air | Winter 2022/2023
39
AVIATION
"T
he delivery of
the first H160
to a military
customer is a
major milestone for the H160
program", said Bruno Even, CEO
of Airbus Helicopters. "is is
the first public service version
of the H160 to be delivered
worldwide. Furthermore, the
delivery takes place soon after
two H160s entered into service
this summer, in Brazil for the
private and business aviation
segment and in Japan for news
gathering missions", he added.
"With this H160 we will
strengthen our partnership with
the French Navy, delivering the
right helicopter for its critical
search and rescue missions.
Together with our partners, we
will also ensure that the H160 is
ready when needed".
In 2020 the French Armament
General Directorate (DGA)
signed a contract with Airbus
Helicopters, Babcock, and
Safran for the delivery of four
H160s in a search and rescue
(SAR) configuration. In 2021,
the DGA confirmed an option
for two more H160s. e first
H160 for the French Navy was
delivered to Babcock by Airbus
Helicopters in May 2022. It has
since then been modified into a
light military configuration by
Babcock. e modular cabin was
also adapted for SAR operations
and a Safran Euroflir 410 electro
optical system was integrated.
e H160 will gradually start
