Test Success: Helicopter H175 Discovers an Alternative Route for Home Navigation
The Airbus H175 helicopter recently made headlines with an extraordinary journey, traveling from Iqaluit, Nunavut in Canada to Marignane, France. This ferry flight, which was a significant milestone for everyone involved with the H175 program, offered a real adventure for the flight test crew and provided a unique opportunity to showcase the helicopter's capabilities.
The transatlantic route, which is unusual for helicopters, took the H175 through extensive Arctic glaciers and long stretches of the Atlantic Ocean. The helicopter was equipped with polar and maritime survival kits, ensuring its safety during the journey. A special guest onboard the ferry flight was a plush moose, adding a touch of whimsy to the mission.
The flight was conducted in stages, with stops in Pangnirtung, Kangerlussuaq (Greenland), Kulusuk, Reykjavik (Iceland), the Faroes, Aberdeen, and Airbus Helicopters Oxford branch. Each leg validated the helicopter’s range capability and ability to operate in very low temperatures, including start-up and shut-down procedures in freezing conditions.
The H175 demonstrated superior operational capability during the journey. Systems performed flawlessly, with reliable engine starts, stable avionics operation, and efficient fuel consumption despite the extreme climate. The helicopter's Full Icing Protection System was put to the test, demonstrating its exceptional range, robustness, and the maturity, reliability, and efficiency.
Michel Oswald, a crew member who is now retiring, noted that the ferry flight was a special gift out of his career at Airbus. The successful completion of the ferry flight was a testament to the crew's trust and confidence in one another, as well as a team effort, with everyone looking out for one another.
The H175 helicopter was used for a certification test flight in Iqaluit, Nunavut, before the ferry flight. The successful de-icing campaign for the H175 was concluded with its return to Marignane, which was a significant moment for Airbus Helicopters.
Airbus published a detailed case study and press release that highlighted the technical and operational milestones achieved during the ferry flight. The exercise was used by Airbus Helicopters to showcase the H175’s suitability for the offshore oil and gas industry, search and rescue missions, and other operations in Arctic and sub-Arctic environments, where helicopters must perform reliably in very cold conditions.
The ferry flight was followed day after day by people who saw the crew's progress every step of the way. The crew's journey was documented by Airbus Helicopters through official press releases and aviation industry reports. Aviation magazines and industry analysts cited the exercise as evidence of the H175’s versatility and robust engineering.
The H175's return to Marignane was a memorable moment, not just for the Airbus team, but for the aviation industry as well. The unconventional ferry flight was a success, proving that the H175 is a helicopter that can handle the most challenging missions with ease.
