Airbus Helicopters announced its latest project at the Paris Air Show this week – developing a heavy-lift helicopter for civilian industry, with plans to have the new model enter service after 2020. Concepts for the X6 design will be evaluated with customer input sought over the next two years.While Airbus’ H160, which had its first test flight last week, is designed for the medium-duty markets, the twin-engine X6 “will initially target oil and gas missions and will also be perfectly suited for search and rescue, VIP and other applications,” Airbus said in its announcement.
“It will set new standards in the industry not only for design, but for its production strategy as well, as we will rely on the industrial capacities of our core countries,” said Guillaume Faury, president and CEO of Airbus Helicopters. “Our objective is to bring to the market the most efficient helicopter solutions adapted for how our customers’ needs and the industry itself will evolve in the future.” The X6 will featureall-weather capabilities including full de-icing and a fly-by-wire flight control system. Faury told Reuters at the show this week the X6 also will meet customer demand for comfort and efficiency, which will help drive demand in heavy industry.“It will be smoother, more comfortable, lower levels of noise … And a much higher level of fuel efficiency,” he said.
