Airbus H160M Guépard Second Prototype Completes First Flight

Airbus has flown the second H160M “Guépard” (Cheetah) prototype, expanding the flight test campaign for France’s Joint Light Helicopter (HIL) program with parallel weapons and environmental qualification testing.

The first production-standard H160M helicopters are scheduled to enter service in late 2028, with the French Army becoming the launch operator. Initial deliveries will be assigned to the Army Aviation training school at Le Luc before equipping the 3rd Combat Helicopter Regiment (3e RHC) at Étain. As the Joint Light Helicopter (HIL) program progresses, the H160M will begin replacing several legacy fleets across the French Armed Forces, starting with the Army’s aging SA341/342 Gazelle helicopters.

Marignane, France — Airbus Helicopters has officially expanded the H160M ’Guépard’ flight test campaign following the successful maiden flight of the program’s second prototype (P2). Wearing a distinctive all-black flight-test livery, the aircraft completed its inaugural sortie from Airbus Helicopters’ headquarters in Marignane, marking another significant milestone in the development of France’s future Joint Light Helicopter (Hélicoptère Interarmées Léger – HIL).

The addition of a second flying prototype substantially increases the pace of the development program by allowing parallel flight-test activities. While Prototype 1 (P1) continues evaluating mission systems, weapons integration and defensive aids—including recent live-firing and countermeasure dispenser trials—Prototype 2 will concentrate on validating the aircraft’s performance across the environmental conditions expected during military operations.

With two aircraft now participating in the campaign, Airbus Helicopters will significantly increase flight-test capacity, accelerate data collection and reduce overall program risk ahead of military qualification.

Prototype 2 will now begin extensive climatic and environmental qualification campaigns designed to validate aircraft performance in extreme operating conditions. The helicopter will undergo hot-weather, cold-weather, altitude, humidity and dusty-environment testing to verify its readiness for worldwide military deployments while assessing propulsion, avionics, mission systems and overall aircraft reliability.

The H160M ’Guépard’ is being developed as a common multi-role platform for the French Army, Navy and Air and Space Force. Based on the civil H160 but extensively militarized, the aircraft incorporates mission avionics, self-protection systems, secure communications, open-system architecture and modular mission equipment.

The helicopter is designed to perform approximately ten operational mission profiles, including armed reconnaissance, commando insertion, fire support, maritime surveillance, anti-ship warfare, search and rescue, combat search and rescue, medical evacuation, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, and utility transport.

Following the completion of Prototype 2’s qualification campaign, Airbus Helicopters plans to introduce a third and final prototype (P3), configured specifically for naval operations. The aircraft will validate shipboard operations, deck landings and maritime mission equipment before the program enters production.

France plans to acquire 169 H160M ’Guépard’ helicopters under the Joint Light Helicopter (HIL) program, replacing five legacy helicopter fleets —including the Gazelle, Alouette III, Dauphin, Panther and Fennec— with a single modern platform. Initial operational deliveries are scheduled before the end of the decade.

About Airbus Helicopters: Airbus Helicopters is the world’s largest civil and parapublic helicopter manufacturer, offering the industry’s widest range of rotorcraft for civilian, government and military customers. Headquartered in Marignane, France, the company designs, manufactures and supports helicopters operating in more than 150 countries worldwide.