Medium-duty helicopter is a medium twin-engine class represented by the Airbus H160, a six-tonne aircraft used for offshore transport, public-service, rescue, law-enforcement, and military-derivative roles. Airbus lists the H160 with 150-knot speed, 480-nautical-mile range, and 6,050 kg maximum takeoff weight, while China Daily identifies Haixun 06 as carrying a medium-duty helicopter for search-and-rescue operations.
The H160 family gives the medium-duty helicopter class a concrete reference point: Airbus markets the civil H160 for public-service and transport missions, while France is developing the H160M Guépard as a military derivative.
| Variant | Configuration | Designation notes |
|---|---|---|
| Airbus H160 | Civil medium twin | Airbus describes the H160 as a next-generation medium twin for offshore transport, EMS, law enforcement, public services, and private/business aviation. Sources: Airbus H160, Airbus H160 technical information |
| ACH160 | Private and business aviation configuration | Airbus identifies ACH160 as the private and business aviation version inside the H160 mission family. Sources: Airbus H160 |
| French Navy H160 SAR | Interim naval search-and-rescue configuration | Airbus says the French Navy's H160 interim fleet is configured for search-and-rescue missions while awaiting H160M Guépard deliveries. |
| H160M Guépard | Military derivative | Airbus says France ordered the H160M under the Joint Light Helicopter programme, with a first batch of 30 aircraft and an intended total of 169. Sources: Airbus: France orders H160M Guépard |
China Daily says Haixun 06 will carry a medium-duty helicopter for search-and-rescue operations.
| Carrier | Carrier type | Carriage evidence |
|---|---|---|
 | Patrol and rescue vessel | China Daily says Haixun 06 will carry a medium-duty helicopter for search-and-rescue operations. |
Public sources tie Haixun 06 to a shipboard rescue helicopter rather than a combat aircraft. The H160 sources give the class a concrete technical frame for what a modern medium twin can contribute to maritime and public-service operations.
| Use case | Sourced detail | Operational meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Shipboard search and rescue | China Daily says Haixun 06 will carry a medium-duty helicopter for search-and-rescue operations. | The linked vessel can extend rescue coverage beyond boats and onboard sensors. |
| Public-service missions | Airbus lists public services, search and rescue, law enforcement, and emergency medical services among H160 mission roles. | The representative aircraft fits civil maritime response and government aviation rather than only military transport. |
| Six-tonne performance class | Airbus lists 6,050 kg maximum takeoff weight, up to 2,000 kg useful load, 150-knot speed, and 480-nautical-mile range. | The class sits above light utility helicopters while remaining smaller than heavy maritime or assault helicopter types. |
| Military derivative | France ordered the H160M Guépard as a common Joint Light Helicopter platform for army, navy, and air force needs. | The same airframe family supports armed-services requirements without establishing direct conflict use for the generic class. |
Airbus said the H160 received its European Union Aviation Safety Agency type certificate after a flight-test and certification campaign using prototypes and serial test assets.
Sources: Airbus H160 receives EASA approval
Airbus announced the world's first H160 delivery to All Nippon Helicopter for electronic news-gathering work in Japan.
Sources: Airbus delivers world's first H160 in Japan
Airbus said France ordered H160M development and an initial production batch for the Joint Light Helicopter programme, with deliveries planned to start in 2027.
Sources: Airbus: France orders H160M Guépard
Airbus said the first French Navy H160 search-and-rescue aircraft was delivered through the Airbus, Babcock, and Safran partnership as part of a six-aircraft interim fleet.
Sources: Airbus: French Navy H160 SAR delivery
