Airbus Helicopters H160M Guepard

History of the Airbus Helicopters H160M Guepard

The new generation H160M "Guepard" helicopter is a "medium-heavy, twin-engine" militarized version of the original H160 X4 prototype helicopter, developed by the French concern Airbus Helicopters to meet the needs of the Joint Light Helicopter (JLH) ) French Armed Forces program requirements. The X4 took off for the first time on June 13, 2015, and was quickly pitched to interested parties. Offering an elegant look through fine design lines and a deft silhouette, the platform has attracted the interest of the French Armed Forces, which previously adopted it with its M-model in its militarized form.

The series is scheduled to make its own maiden flight in 2023, with deliveries scheduled to begin in 2026.

While in service with the French Army, this model is expected to store the inventory of the French Army (80 specimens), Navy (49 specimens) and Air Force (40 specimens) - following a series of aging models with a broad collection of roles.

Under the nose of the radar housing is a turret electro-optical system. Ports on the sides of the fuselage provide trunnion-mounted weapon locations, while the passenger area has sliding fuselage doors. As usual, the engines are paired above the canopy, and the main rotors are near the top line of the fuselage. The exhaust port of the engine exploded.

The stabilizer has been improved in design and incorporates typical elements such as the rudder, horizontal stabilizer (the stabilizer is a rather unique biplane design) and various antennae.

When in service with the French Army, the H160M will be integrated into existing combat systems to provide full support to active ground forces. Protected communications will allow interested parties to exchange information, resulting in an effective, multi-pronged approach to combating enemy forces.

For the French navy, helicopters will be an integral part of the warships on duty, launching and recovering from decks, providing critical capabilities on the horizon, providing protection, airspace blockade, rescue services and anti-ship capabilities. Onboard storage is aided by the main blade, which folds back conveniently at the stern (manual operation).

The French Air Force will benefit from the system's inherent versatility, providing search and rescue services as well as armed escort, fire support and reconnaissance.

Currently the design accommodates two pilots and five combat-ready infantry. Provides additional space for transporting two stretchers. Power is provided by 2 Safran Arrano turboshaft engines for excellent fuel efficiency. The maximum take-off weight (MTOW) should be 6050kg and the range is 850km.

Dimensions include rotor diameter of 13.4 meters.

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