Cobham Aerospace Connectivity has announced that Airbus Helicopters has selected four Cobham systems to be fitted as standard on the H160 medium-utility helicopter: the Digital Audio Communications System (DACS) for audio management and intercom functions; the 251 Amplifier for cabin paging/public address; the NPX138 Stereo Transceiver as an optional FM maritime radio; and the RT-7000 Mission Critical Communications Radio as an optional V/UHF radio system when tactical communications are required. The RT-7000 is a software-defined radio, with modules that may be upgraded as an operator's requirements and mission evolve, so the aircraft will remain current with AM/FM, P25 and TETRA today, and LTE, satcom, HD video and more in the future.
The H160 is Airbus' most advanced medium helicopter, featuring an all-composite fuselage for reduced weight and lower fuel consumption, and the Blue Edge five-bladed main rotor for reduced vibration and noise.
Cobham CEO David Bulley says: “Cobham Aerospace Connectivity and Airbus have a strong, long-tenured avionics partnership, and we are proud to have multiple communications systems included on one of the world's most-advanced helicopter platforms, the H160.”