First Airbus H160 SAR Helicopter Delivered to Babcock for the French Navy

The first of six H160 Search and Rescue (SAR) helicopter was delivered by Airbus Helicopters to Babcock. The H160 is intended for the French Navy (Marine Nationale) and is part of the interim fleet which will replace the Alouette III until the H160M Guepard enters service.

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The ten year contract represents a milestone in the French Ministry of Defense procurement process as it is the first time that a contract includes both hire and purchase of a brand new aircraft as well as its through life support.

The contract enables the French Navy to lease new helicopters from Babcock while the French procurement agency DGA will benefit from the experience gained in preparing for the arrival of the H160M. The H160M is the military variant of the helicopter which will equiped all three services (army, air force and navy) as part of the HIL (light joint helicopter) program.

In partnership with Airbus Helicopters and Safran Helicopter Engines, Babcock is set to deliver to the French Navy these six H160 helicopters modified for SAR roles. The first one is scheduled to arrive at Hyères naval air base in September 2022. The modifications include the installation of a console coupled with Safran's new generation "Euroflir 410S" EO/IR system, the integration of watertight "diver" tank as well as a medical as well as a medical wall to EMS standards.

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