M
ilitary helicopters have always been the driving force for innovation in the entire rotorcraft sector. With this fact in mind, Rotorcraft Pro spoke with major military helicopter OEMs to find out what new, advanced rotorcraft they’re ready to fly now, what’s in immediate development, and what they’re planning for the future.
Airbus Helicopters
Airbus Helicopters is currently developing two military helicopter platforms: The H160M and the VSR700.
Based on the civil H160, the H160M is designed to replace five legacy helicopters being used by the French Air Force, Army, and Navy under their joint HIL (Hélicoptère Interarmées Léger: Light Joint Helicopter) program. As such, the H160M will be able to perform a variety of tasks ranging from reconnaissance through light attack, maritime surveillance, surface warfare, national airspace protection, and search and rescue (SAR).
“Equipment will be adapted to each branch’s missions,” Airbus Helicopters replied in written answers to Rotorcraft Pro’s questions. “For example, the H160M will be able to carry a light, anti-ship missile, and will be equipped with a fixed array radar when operating for the Navy.”
Airbus Helicopters’ VSR700 is an unmanned aerial system (UAS) derived from the Guimbal Cabri G1 two- seater aircraft, which is being developed specifically for the French Navy. “It will be able to fly ISTAR (intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance) missions for up to 10 hours,” Airbus Helicopters told
Rotorcraft
Pro. “In the future the VSR700 will be equipped with other systems to conduct a broader set of missions like SAR or anti-submarine warfare.”
Looking forward, this OEM is monitoring European efforts to define specifications for the next generation of rotorcraft, such as the NATO Next Generation Rotorcraft Capability program, which is focussed on utility helicopters.
“One option is to go for fast rotorcraft with long- range capabilities,” said Airbus Helicopters. “Our X3 demonstrator was able to reach 487 km/h in 2013. We are currently assembling the Racer demonstrator to further push the concept.” This work is being done as part of the European Research Clean Sky 2 project. The goal is to optimize the X3 for a cruise speed of more than 400 km/h while striking the best balance between speed, cost efficiency, and mission performance.
“Our customers may
also require conventional helicopters with other features, like stealth in particular, in terms of sound levels,” Airbus Helicopters noted.
And the company is researching sensors enabled by artificial intelligence to improve data acquisition/processing and flight management. It also is teaming helicopters with drones. Airbus Helicopters tested this MUM-T (manned- unmanned teaming) concept in an April 2018 trial when an airborne H145 took control of a UAV at the Level 5 full automation setting, including remotely controlled takeoffs and landings.
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Sept/Oct 2021
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