Helikopter - Airbus navngir H160 launch customer - R&W

Airbus Helicopters Names H160 Launch Customer

By S.L. Fuller | March 1, 2018

Airbus, Airbus Helicopters, Babcock, H160, HeliExpo18, EMS

 
 
 
 
 

Image courtesy of Airbus Helicopters

The global launch customer for the Airbus Helicopters H160 didn’t buy a single unit to start out with. Babcock signed a five-year frame agreement for a fleet.

Airbus said Thursday at Heli-Expo in Las Vegas that Babcock’s fleet of H160s would be used for EMS and other critical services missions. The aircraft would start working in Europe, to be deployed progressively across Babcock’s worldwide bases.

“The H160 was a natural choice for Babcock’s operations as its large cabin and low vibration levels and its state-of-the-art technology will make it a safe and comfortable environment for mission critical services to work in” said Roger Hardy, chief executive of aviation for Babcock International Group. “We are sure that the innovations that the H160 brings to the market will help us deliver our high standards of quality, safety and cost-effectiveness.”

According to Airbus, the H160 has 68 patents. It features sound-reducing Blue Edge blades and Helionix — the manufacturer claims this aircraft to be its first with a true digital, connected focus.

“We are proud that the largest civil helicopter operator has selected the H160 to become its next generation solution for saving lives. As the H160 launch customer, Babcock inaugurates a new era for helicopter operators,” said Ben Bridge, EVP of global business at Airbus Helicopters. Bridge is also a new member of R&WI’s editorial advisory board. “In every aspect, from industrial production, to maintenance and fleet management and of course mission readiness, the H160 represents the new standard in helicopter capabilities for the next 30 years.”