The French Navy received today, at the Hyères Naval Aviation Base, the first of six H160B helicopters that will perform search and rescue (SAR) missions from land bases.
“The delivery of the first H160 to a military customer is a major milestone for the H160 programme”, said Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters. “This 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”.
Le premier hélicoptère H160B de la flotte intérimaire a été reçu aujourd'hui par la Marine sur la base d'aéronautique navale d'Hyères !
Les 6 H160B qui seront livrés à la Marine opéreront depuis la terre afin de conduire des missions de secours et d’intervention en mer. pic.twitter.com/cYPxHksPS8— Marine nationale (@MarineNationale) September 22, 2022
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.
The 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. The modular cabin was also adapted for SAR operations and a Safran Euroflir 410 electro optical system was integrated.
According to the Airbus press release, the H160B will gradually start operating from the Lanveoc-Poulmic naval air station (Brittany), Cherbourg airport (Normandy) and Hyères naval air station (Provence).
In the frame of the French Joint Light Helicopter (Hélicoptère Interarmées Léger: HIL) programme, 169 H160M Guépards are foreseen to replace five types of helicopters in service with the French armed forces. The French Navy’s operational feedback with these H160s will benefit the design of the military version of the aircraft and its associated support system.
See also: France orders 169 Airbus H160M for its Armed Forces
These six H160Bs of this interim fleet will:
- Ensure continuity of SAR coverage between the withdrawal from active service of the Alouette III and the arrival of the Guépard Marine from 2029.
- The Caïman Marine and Panther helicopter fleets to focus on combat missions from the frigates.
