Latest-generation braking for the H160 helicopter

Safran to build new aircraft carbon brake plant near Lyon

Messier-Bugatti-Dowty provides the electric braking system on Airbus Helicopters’ latest model, the H160. With its new-generation composite carbon friction material and electric actuators, this system represents a major technological breakthrough in helicopter braking

The electric brake, a first for a helicopter

For the H160 program, Messier-Bugatti-Dowty draws on its expertise in electric braking, acquired on the Boeing 787 "Dreamliner", the first commercial aircraft in the world equipped with electrically controlled brakes. This system presents many benefits, including the elimination of hydraulic circuits, which cuts down on weight and bulk, while electric the elimination of hydraulic circuits, which cuts down on weight and bulk, while electric braking also simplifies maintenance.

Latest-generation materials
Unlike other helicopters, which are all fitted with steel brakes, Airbus Helicopters' H160 is the first helicopter to benefit from carbon technology for its brake system. Again, this is an innovation inherited from commercial aviation developed over the last thirty years by Messier-Bugatti-Dowty, the world leader in carbon brakes – lighter, more reliable and more efficient compared to steel – for commercial aircraft.

The H160 flew for the first time on June 13, 2015. During the Paris Air Show, a scale model of the innovation-packed helicopter is on display on the Airbus stand.

L’Arrano (Safran Helicopter Engines) a été sélectionné comme motorisation exclusive pour ce nouveau bimoteur H160 de la classe des 5 à 6 tonnes.

Thomas Garza / Safran