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Two additional Airbus-built H160 helicopters have been ordered by the French Navy.
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The French Armament General Directorate (DGA) has requested two new Airbus-built H160 Helicopters, supported by Babcock and Safran Helicopter Engines.
This will expand the French Navy’s fleet to six, with four H160s already contracted in 2020.
The six H160s, which are expected to be delivered in a Search and Rescue (SAR) configuration, will begin operating in May 2022 from Lanveoc-Poulmic naval air station (Britany), Cherbourg Airport (Normandy) and Hyères naval air station (Provence).
Once operational, the H160s fleet will be deployed for SAR missions, currently conducted by the NH90 and Panther fleets in addition to their primary use for combat missions aboard Navy vessels.
The H160 aircraft will be maintained and equipped by Babcock in partnership with Airbus Helicopters and Safran Helicopters Engines.
Babcock will be tasked with modifying the fleet into a light military configuration, and will integrate Safran Electronics & Defense’s electro-optical system, Euroflir 410.
The Airbus-built helicopters will be equipped with a winch and a modular cabin, which can be adjusted to meet varying mission requirements.
