The assets of the “cheetah”, the new Airbus helicopter which must modernize the French army

With two years late but a successful inaugural flight, Airbus Helicopters has taken a crucial stage on Thursday by launching the flight tests of the H160m “Guépard”, future military helicopter of the French armies. For example, Suitable for modern fights and designed to replace five aging models, this new generation device will be delivered from 2028. However, The inaugural flight took place in Marignane, marking a key step for this strategic program.

Designed on the basis of the H160 civil helicopter. Nevertheless, the “cheetah” is distinguished by a noise reduction of 50 % and a great modularity. Similarly, It will replace five models in service. Consequently, recently withdrawn, such as Gazelle or Alouette III, and may carry out various missions: fire, recognition, health evacuation or rescue at sea.

Thought for hybrid conflicts – Assets "cheetah", new airbus helicopter

“It is as comfortable as the civil H160. and this is good assets “cheetah”, new airbus helicopter news,” said Olivier Gensse, test pilot, highlighting a rarely prioritized progress on military helicopters. The Directorate General of Armament ordered 169 aircraft. the first copies of which will be delivered from 2028: 80 for the Army, 49 for the Navy and 40 for the Air and Space Army. Airbus provides for a rate of 20 units per year from 2027.

Equipped with advanced sensors (Airmaster C of Thales. Euroflir 410 of Safran) and a system of cooperation with drones, the “cheetah” meets the new operational requirements, influenced in particular by the returns of the field in Ukraine. “The forces need multi -programs and interconnected devices,” said Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters.

An ambitious industrial bet

The pooling of military fleets assets “cheetah”, new airbus helicopter around a common platform will reduce maintenance costs and optimize logistics. The “cheetah” can take a 12.7 mm machine guns and guided rocket launchers. “It is still too early to scream victory, but the first returns are satisfactory. This helicopter is born, ”said Stéphane Kammerer, representative of the DGA.

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Airbus intends to make “cheetah” a growth engine. Objective: to conquer 50 % of the global middle class helicopter market, today dominated by Leonardo. If no export contract has yet been signed. Airbus counts on the entry into French service to convince other countries, especially in Europe and Africa. “The first flight is a major step, but this is only the beginning,” concluded Bruno Even.