Airbus H160 Helicopter: Specs, Range, Speed & Charter Guide
Airbus H160 Helicopter: Specifications, Performance & Charter Guide
Specifications, range, speed, cabin, avionics, and safety of the Airbus H160 medium twin-engine helicopter, plus charter and acquisition considerations.
The Airbus H160 is a next-generation medium twin-engine helicopter developed around aerodynamic efficiency, passenger comfort, advanced avionics, and multi-mission capability. It is designed for offshore transport, private and business aviation, emergency medical services, public services, and utility missions, bringing together recent innovations in aerodynamics, avionics, and systems integration. For operators and charter clients, the H160 combines strong performance with cabin comfort and operational efficiency.
Helionix Avionics
Touchscreen interface, 4-axis autopilot, and enhanced situational awareness.
Arrano 1A Engines
Two Safran Arrano 1A turboshaft engines, rated in the 1,100–1,300 shp range, with an approximate 18% fuel-consumption reduction versus previous-generation engines.
Blue Edge Rotor
Shrouded tail rotor for reduced noise and improved ground safety.
Spacious Cabin
Flat floor, large windows, and a cabin volume of up to 7.3 m³ for up to 12 passengers.
Performance & Range
The H160 is powered by two Safran Arrano 1A turboshaft engines. Airbus states that these engines reduce fuel consumption by approximately 18% compared with previous-generation engines on comparable operations. Airbus's current published technical data lists a recommended cruise speed of 138 knots, a fast cruise of up to 150 knots, and a maximum range of up to 480 nautical miles with standard fuel, depending on configuration and operating conditions.
Helionix Avionics Suite
At the heart of the H160 is the Helionix avionics system. It integrates advanced flight management, navigation, and automation functions, including a touchscreen interface and a 4-axis autopilot, designed to reduce pilot workload and improve situational awareness in a range of operating conditions.
Safety & Offshore Capability
Key safety features include a crash-resistant fuel system, energy-absorbing landing gear, and the Blue Edge shrouded tail rotor, which reduces noise and improves ground safety. These systems are designed to support situational awareness and flight management rather than substitute for standard operating procedures. Inside, the cabin is spacious and quiet, with a flat floor and large windows, and a published internal volume of up to 7.3 m³ for up to 12 passengers.
For offshore missions, Airbus's published H160 mission material references advanced autopilot and engine-failure management modes, helideck operations, push-out emergency windows, and emergency flotation equipment rated for Sea State 6 conditions, subject to aircraft configuration and operator certification.
H160 Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Recommended Cruise | 138 knots (255 km/h) |
| Fast Cruise | Up to 150 knots |
| Max Range | Up to 480 nautical miles (standard fuel, configuration-dependent) |
| Max Altitude | 20,000 feet |
| Max Takeoff Weight | 6,050 kg (13,338 lbs) |
| Useful Load | Up to 2,000 kg (4,409 lbs) |
| Cabin Volume | Up to 7.3 m³ |
| Passenger Capacity | 1–2 pilots + up to 12 passengers |
| Engines | 2 × Safran Arrano 1A turboshaft (1,100–1,300 shp range) |
Why the H160 is a Charter Favorite: The combination of low noise, a smooth ride, a spacious cabin, and its safety features makes the H160 well suited to VVIP, corporate, and executive transport. Its operational flexibility supports both short urban hops and longer regional routes within its published range.
Versatile Mission Capabilities
The H160's design philosophy centers on versatility. It is equally adept at:
- Offshore Transport: Carrying crews to and from oil and gas platforms with high reliability and comfort.
- Private & Business Aviation: Offering VVIP and corporate clients a premium, efficient travel experience via our international charter services.
- Emergency Medical Services (EMS): Featuring a dedicated medical interior configuration for rapid patient transport — see our dedicated air ambulance service.
- Public Services: Supporting law enforcement, search and rescue, and firefighting operations, closely related to our special mission aircraft charter work.
- Utility & Cargo: Certain configurations support lifting, sling load, and cargo transport missions, subject to approved equipment and operator capability — see our fixed-wing cargo charter fleet for larger freight requirements.
H160 vs Other Medium Twin Helicopters
The H160 competes in the medium twin-engine segment alongside aircraft such as the Airbus H175, Leonardo AW139, and Sikorsky S-76D. The comparison below is indicative and intended as a general reference; contact our charter desk for mission-specific aircraft recommendations.
| Aircraft | Fast Cruise | Typical Range | Cabin | Typical Mission Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airbus H160 | ~150 kt | ~480 NM | Up to 7.3 m³, 12 pax | VVIP, offshore, EMS, utility |
| Leonardo AW139 | ~165 kt | ~570 NM | Larger cabin, up to 15 pax | Offshore, EMS, VIP, utility |
| Airbus H175 | ~150 kt | ~500 NM | Up to 16 pax | Offshore, SAR, VIP |
| Sikorsky S-76D | ~155 kt | ~400 NM | Up to 12 pax | Corporate, offshore, EMS |
H160 Charter: When Is It the Right Choice?
The H160's combination of a quiet cabin, smooth ride, and multi-mission flexibility makes it a strong option in several practical scenarios:
- VVIP and executive travel: Quiet cabin and advanced avionics suited to time-sensitive corporate schedules.
- Offshore crew movement: Reliable performance for platform transfers, subject to operator certification and helideck approval.
- Regional executive transfers: Efficient point-to-point travel between cities and business hubs within its published range.
- Island and resort access: Practical alternative where runway infrastructure is limited.
- Corporate events: Group transfers for conferences, site visits, and time-critical logistics.
- Specialized missions: EMS, public-service, and utility support where aircraft configuration permits.
How H160 Charter Pricing Works
We do not publish a fixed H160 charter rate, because pricing depends on aircraft location and positioning, flight time, crew, landing and handling fees, permits, passenger configuration, and specific mission requirements. Our charter desk provides a tailored, all-inclusive quote once we understand your route and mission profile.
Charter or acquisition — how we can help:
- Charter sourcing: We coordinate aircraft sourcing, routing, documentation, and operator requirements with the selected Air Operator Certificate (AOC) holder for your mission.
- Acquisition & brokerage advisory: For operators or private buyers considering purchasing an H160, our aircraft acquisition and brokerage team supports sourcing, valuation guidance, and transaction coordination.
- Tailored solutions: From VVIP interior configurations to specialized mission equipment, we help identify H160 airframes suited to your requirements, where available.
- 24/7 support: Our charter desk is available around the clock to assist with charter or acquisition enquiries.
H160 Charter or Acquisition — Talk to Our Team
Contact our team to discuss H160 charter availability, or to explore acquisition and brokerage options for purchasing an H160.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the range of the Airbus H160?
Airbus's currently published technical data lists a maximum range of up to 480 nautical miles (NM) with standard fuel, depending on configuration and operating conditions, suitable for offshore, private, and utility missions.
What engines power the H160?
The H160 is powered by two Safran Arrano 1A turboshaft engines, rated in the 1,100–1,300 shp power range. Airbus states these engines reduce fuel consumption by approximately 18% compared with previous-generation engines on comparable operations.
What are the key safety features of the H160?
The H160 features a crash-resistant fuel system, energy-absorbing landing gear, and a shrouded tail rotor (the Blue Edge rotor) for enhanced safety and reduced noise.
Can the H160 be used for private charter?
Yes, the H160 is a strong option for VVIP and corporate charter. Its spacious and quiet cabin, combined with its avionics suite, supports a comfortable and efficient travel experience.
What is the Helionix avionics suite?
Helionix is Airbus's avionics system, integrating a 4-axis autopilot, a touchscreen interface, and enhanced situational awareness tools designed to reduce pilot workload.
Can Safe Fly Aviation help buy or sell an Airbus H160?
Yes. In addition to charter, Safe Fly Aviation provides acquisition and brokerage advisory for operators and private buyers looking to purchase or sell an Airbus H160, including sourcing, valuation, and transaction support.
Ready to Charter or Acquire an H160?
Contact our team to discuss charter availability and pricing, or to explore acquisition and brokerage options for purchasing an H160.
Our team is available 24/7 to assist with charter or acquisition enquiries.
Charter or Acquire an Airbus H160
Explore the H160's performance, comfort, and multi-mission capability. Contact our team to discuss a charter, or to explore acquisition and brokerage options.
