Two more H160s ordered for French Navy

摘要

A FURTHER two Airbus Helicopters H160s have been ordered by the French Aeronautique Navale (Naval Air Arm). The deal was announced by the European firm on May 20, stating that France's Direction Generate de I'Armament (DGA - General Armament Directorate) has confirmed an option to Airbus Helicopters, Babcock and Safran Helicopter Engines for the additional two helicopters. They will join four H160s for which a contract was announced by Airbus Helicopters on February 10, 2020. The first is now being assembled at the company's facility in Marignane, France. All six H160swillbe delivered in a search and rescue (SAR) configuration and will progressively begin operations from May 2022 at Base d'Aeronautique Navale (BAN - Naval Air Base) Lanveoc-Poulmic, Britany; Cherbourg Airport, Normandy and BAN Hyeres, Provence. They are providing an interim capability pending arrival of the fully military-configured H160M Guepard variant being developed under France's Helicoptere Interarmees Leger (HIL - Joint Light Helicopter) programme. The interim H160s will take over the SAR missions currently being conducted by Aeronavale NH90s and Panthers, allowing these combat helicopters to fulfil their primary tasks at sea on board combat vessels. The Aeronavale's feedback on these H160s will benefit design of the military version of the helicopter.