Update: First Airbus H160M prototype begins final assembly

Final assembly is under way of the first of three Airbus Helicopters H160M prototypes that will be used to develop the military version of the platform under the Light Joint Helicopter (Hélicoptère Interarmées Léger: HIL) programme for the French Armed Forces.

This is taking place in parallel with ongoing system integration work including bench testing and in-flight aerodynamic testing.

The company announced the milestone on 19 July following the despatch of the first Major Component Assembly (MCA), the main fuselage, from its Donauwörth facility in Germany to the final assembly line in Marignane, Southern France, on 4 July. The other three MCAs are the rotor blades manufactured at Paris le Bourget, the tailboom made in Albacete, Spain, and the main gear box built at Marignane. The first flight of this prototype is scheduled for 2025.

Integration and testing of systems for the H160M is continuing on a “system helicopter zero” test bench, which reproduces the cockpit of the aircraft, the company said. Systems that have already been delivered and integrated include the Thales TopOwl helicopter pilot head-up display helmet, an inertial navigation system, communication systems, and the global navigation satellite services (GNSS). Other equipment being integrated via the test bench are the Safran Euroflir 410 electro-optical system, the Thales FlytX flight deck avionics suite, and Airbus' HForce modular weapons system equipment.

Airbus told Janes on 30 August that the H160M for the French Armed Forces will be equipped with the FN HMP400 .50 calibre (12.7 mm) machine gun pod, while the rocket capability to be carried by the helicopter is yet to be confirmed by the Direction Générale de l'Armement (DGA) procurement agency.