MARIGNANE, France — Airbus Helicopters has completed the maiden flight of the second prototype of its H160M Guépard military helicopter, marking the next phase of the aircraft's flight test campaign under France's Joint Light Helicopter (Hélicoptère Interarmées Léger – HIL) programme.
The second prototype made its first flight in a distinctive all-black paint scheme, setting it apart from the civilian-style H160 helicopters already in service and from the first military prototype.
The H160M, known as Guépard (French for "cheetah"), is the military version of the Airbus H160 medium helicopter. It is being developed to provide a common helicopter platform for the French Army, Navy, and Air and Space Force, replacing several legacy helicopter types currently in service or recently retired.
France to Acquire 169 H160M Helicopters
France plans to procure 169 H160M Guépard helicopters under the HIL programme. The new fleet will replace five existing helicopter types:
- Gazelle
- Alouette III
- Dauphin
- Panther
- Fennec
The fleet consolidation is intended to simplify maintenance, logistics, spare parts management, and crew training across the three military services.
France has so far ordered an initial batch of 30 aircraft. The overall planned fleet includes 80 helicopters for the French Army, 49 for the French Navy, and 40 for the French Air and Space Force. Initial deliveries to the French Army are scheduled to begin in late 2028.
Three Prototypes Supporting Development
Airbus is using three flying prototypes to support different phases of the H160M development programme.
The first prototype completed its maiden flight on 18 July 2025. It has accumulated more than 72 flight hours, focusing on validating the helicopter's flight characteristics and overall performance. During 2026, the aircraft conducted weapons firing trials at Cazaux, validating the integration of 12.7 mm machine gun pods, door-mounted machine guns, and the self-protection system's flare dispensers. Further testing will include guided rockets as well as risk-reduction studies for the MBDA Akeron LP missile.
The second prototype, which has now completed its first flight, will focus on environmental testing. The aircraft will undergo hot and cold weather trials to evaluate system performance in extreme operating conditions, including desert and arctic environments.
The third prototype is scheduled to join the flight test campaign in 2027. It will be configured for naval operations and will validate maritime-specific equipment and shipboard compatibility required by the French Navy.
Military Systems and Mission Equipment
The H160M is a six-tonne-class helicopter powered by two Safran Arrano turboshaft engines.
According to Airbus, the helicopter incorporates 68 patented technologies designed to improve efficiency, safety, environmental performance, acoustic performance, and maintenance compared with earlier helicopter designs.
For military operations, the Guépard is equipped with a dedicated mission system that includes:
- Thales FlytX avionics suite
- Airbus-developed mission system
- Safran Euroflir 410 electro-optical sensor
- Thales AirMaster C radar
The helicopter also features an automated self-protection suite that operates across the electromagnetic and optical spectrum to deploy countermeasures against threats.
Using Airbus' HForce modular weapon system, the H160M can be equipped with:
- 12.7 mm machine gun pods
- Guided rockets
- 7.62 mm pintle-mounted machine guns for door gunners
Native Drone Cooperation Capability
The H160M is the first helicopter in Airbus' product range designed from the outset with a native drone cooperation system.
The capability enables helicopter crews to work directly with unmanned aircraft, allowing real-time information sharing and extending reconnaissance and situational awareness beyond the helicopter's onboard sensors.
Production Continues Alongside Flight Testing
Airframe production is already underway at Airbus' facility in Donauwörth, Germany, while final assembly is carried out in Marignane, France. Manufacturing is progressing in parallel with the ongoing flight test programme.
Airbus has also highlighted the operational experience gained from the French Navy's interim use of six civilian H160 helicopters for maritime search-and-rescue missions. Those aircraft have accumulated more than 5,000 flight hours over more than two years of operations, providing operational experience that supports the H160M programme.
The successful first flight of the second prototype expands the H160M test campaign into environmental qualification while development continues toward the planned introduction of the helicopter into French military service beginning in late 2028.
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