Airbus H160 gets CASA approval

Christian Venzal, Airbus Helicopters’ Managing Director for Australia and New Zealand, commented: “We are excited about the H160 certification from CASA, which underscores Australia’s confidence and trust in our product … The innovative H160 sets a new benchmark in terms of safety, comfort, and environmental performance. We look forward to seeing the first H160 gracing Australia’s sky soon!”

The H160 has been certified by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency, the US Federal Aviation Administration, Japan Civil Aviation Bureau, Transport Canada Civil Aviation, Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia, and most recently India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation. 

The aircraft features noise-reducing Blue Edge rotor blades, a canted Fenestron tail rotor, and Airbus Helicopters’ Helionix avionics suite. Equipped to meet the needs of pilots and technicians across all mission segments, the H160 is utilized in energy, private and business aviation, emergency medical services, search and rescue, law enforcement, and military.

The official empty weight of the H160 has recently been reduced, allowing operators an increased payload of 100kg or an additional 60NM of range. Further, fuel consumption has been reduced by 18% and perceived sound has been reduced by 50%.

Airbus recently received orders for seven H145s from DRF Luftrettung, and four H135s from HealthNet Aeromedical Services.