Airbus to Develop Modular Guépard While Delivering Initial Production Models
The French Armament General Directorate (DGA) announced a large contract with Airbus Helicopters for not only the purchase, but the development of the H160M as a part of their Light Joint Helicopter program (HIL). The contract includes a primer batch of 30 aircraft and a series of prototypes, with space to expand orders to a total quantity of 169 total. The initial group of production aircraft will be split 3 ways, with the army taking 21, the navy 8, and a single helo for the air force. Interestingly, the program will include the development of several prototypes as France narrows down their demands for a single helicopter.