23 June 2015
This spectacular and futuristic helicopter is the latest project from Airbus Helicopters (used to be Eurocopter). It’s the X6 and it will be a replacement for the current EC225 ‘Super Puma’ heavyweight some time in the 2020s, said Airbus at the Paris Air Show last week. Airbus also announced flight tests have begun on its new medium size twin, the fly-by-wire H160.
The X6 is aimed at the oil and gas industry, search and rescue, corporate airlift and VIP transportation. As a member of Airbus Helicopters’ H-generation rotorcraft family, the X6 will build on the design advances from its recently-unveiled H160 medium-lift helicopter.
Airbus Helicopters’ H160 flew for the first time in Marignane on Saturday, 13 June, shortly after beginning its ground runs at the end of May. The aircraft flew for about 40 minutes in ground effect that allowed the flight test team to check the overall behaviour of the aircraft and to verify measurements.
“The first flight was very promising in terms of stability, vibrations, and sound levels,” said Olivier Gensse, the flight test pilot.
