Inside The $20 Million Airbus ACH160

This is the Airbus ACH-160, an aircraft that has revolutionized the future of VIP helicopter aviation. Often referred to as the Rolls-Royce of the skies, this state-of-the-art rotorcraft has set an astronomical standard in luxury, performance, and technology since its introduction. The ACH-160 program was officially announced in 2015 when Airbus recognized the need for a rotorcraft that could cater to the high demands of executive transport, but with capabilities that outperformed anything currently available. Thus began a collaborative journey involving some of the best minds in aeronautical engineering, avionics, and design. A hallmark of the aircraft's development was the incorporation of innovative technologies such as the revolutionary Blue Edge blades, the advanced Helionix avionics suite, and the powerful Safran Arano engines. The aircraft received its ESA certification in July 2020, marking a pivotal milestone that green-lighted its entry into service. Since then, it has gradually found its way into the fleets of discerning clients who appreciate its combination of luxury and performance. Stay with us till the end of the video, because here is everything you need to know about the Airbus ACH-160. Upon entering the cabin, one cannot help but notice its spaciousness and luxuriousness. The new interior is a game-changer, with its improved sound insulation and expansive double-paned windows that open up the view even as they cut back on engine noise. Capable of seating up to 10 passengers, the cabin is both roomy and impeccably organized. With a height of 4 feet 9 inches or 1.45 meters and a width of 6 feet 1 inch or 1.85 meters, passengers are afforded ample room to move around. To meet the needs of this demanding market, the ACH-160 family is designed in three versions – Line, Line with Lounge Package, and Exclusive. Ideal for short journeys, the Line Package includes plenty of storage space and individual bucket seats that can be specified in different materials. Upping the luxury is Line with Lounge Package. Here, ACH's creative design team has put together an elegant and welcoming interior with a comfortable seating arrangement. For the ultimate trip, the Exclusive specification features deep leather armchairs and bench seats, wood detailing, carpet, and luxury interior trim. With an overall look created by Airbus Helicopter's design studio and Pegasus Design, the Exclusive is perfect for guests who demand the utmost in luxury travel. The ACH-160 offers a variety of seating arrangements to accommodate different passenger needs, whether it's a business meeting or a leisure trip. The seats themselves are luxurious, constructed of high-quality materials that offer both style and comfort. Ergonomically designed, they provide lumbar support and cushioning that make even longer flights comfortable. Furthermore, the seating can be customized to feature tables or be arranged in a club-style format. While the blue-edge blades and the Fenestron tail rotor may not be visible from the cabin, their impact is certainly felt, or rather, not heard. They contribute to an impressive reduction in noise levels, about 50 percent quieter than industry standards. On top of that, with adjustable ambient lighting, passengers can tailor their environment to suit their mood or the time of day. The ACH-160 comes equipped with advanced climate control systems that keep the cabin at a constant temperature of approximately 71 degrees Fahrenheit or 22 degrees Celsius, regardless of external weather conditions. Talking about amenities, the aircraft offers an entertainment system that features high-quality audio and optional fold-out screens. Whether passengers prefer to catch up on a movie or listen to music, the ACH-160 has them covered. There are also storage compartments integrated into the design for stowing away personal items securely. Walking into the cockpit, you're greeted by a sophisticated but intuitively designed space. With a width of 4 feet 5 inches or 1.34 meters and a length of approximately 8 feet 2 inches or 2.5 meters, the cockpit offers a good balance of space and functionality. Ergonomics play a critical role here. Every button, lever, and display is purposefully positioned for easy access, and you'll find the hand-stitched leather seats supportive, even on longer flights. The cockpit is built around the Helionix Avionics suite, an intricate system designed to reduce pilot workload while increasing situational awareness. Featuring large dual screens as PFDs, it offers a clean and clutter-free interface, incorporating synthetic vision systems, traffic collision avoidance, and weather radar. One of the standout features is the four-axis autopilot system, which affords a remarkable level of automated control. Whether you're hovering or flying at the helicopter's top cruise speed of 160 knots, incorporated into the ACH160 is the dual-channel FADEC, with a third independent backup channel. This advanced system optimizes engine performance, ensuring that the Saffron Arano engines function efficiently and safely. This significantly aids in critical situations, automatically managing engine parameters, and even enabling one engine inoperative capabilities, thereby allowing the chopper to land safely in the event of engine failure. The helicopter also features synthetic vision. This system integrates with the Helionix suite, providing a 3D representation of the terrain, which ensures that pilots have a crystal clear understanding of their surroundings, especially beneficial when flying in low-visibility conditions. The system also incorporates a power reserve indicator, which calculates the available power in real time, offering pilots an extra layer of safety. The communication facilities on board are top-notch, with satellite communications integrated into the Helionix suite. It offers a straightforward and intuitive means to connect with air traffic control or other aircraft. Also, for those who like to remain connected, the cockpit has provisions for devices with USB charging ports and interfaces to integrate with the pilot's tablets or other electronic flight bags. Now, let's talk about the engine, performance specifications, and how it flies. If you've spent years flying older models, the experience is a revelation, and if you're new to aviation, it sets the bar at an astronomical height. As you initiate the startup sequence, the twin Saffron Arano turboshaft engines were to life, each generating an impressive 1,300 shaft horsepower. The startup process is streamlined thanks to the FADEC, which provides optimal control of the engines, making the start sequence almost effortless. As you gently pull on the collective and tip the cyclic forward, the ACH-160 gracefully lifts off the ground. The first thing that grabs your attention is its responsiveness. The helicopter seems to understand your slightest touch and responds accordingly. Upon reaching altitude, you'll find the ACH-160 handles like a dream. The rotorcraft features blue-edge blades, which not only reduce noise but also improve aerodynamic efficiency, which translates into an exceptional rate of climb, a stunning 1,280 feet per minute or 390 meters per minute. The helicopter can ascend to a maximum service ceiling of 20,000 feet or 6,100 meters. The FADEC system continuously monitors and adjusts engine performance, ensuring optimal operation throughout the various phases of flight, which makes for an incredibly smooth transition from ascent to cruise. The helicopter achieves a maximum cruise speed of 160 knots and a maximum range of 450 nautical miles or 833 kilometers, which translates to an endurance of four and a half hours with standard fuel tanks. As you maneuver through the skies, you'll find that handling this aircraft is nearly intuitive. The well-designed aerodynamics and the power of the Safran Arano engines allow you to perform a variety of maneuvers with an ease and agility that's quite extraordinary for an aircraft of this size. These engines have a TBO of 4,000 hours, offering durability and longevity. When it comes to payload, the ACH-160 doesn't disappoint either. It has a full fuel payload of 1,800 pounds or 816 kilograms and a maximum net payload of 2,300 pounds or 1,043 kilograms, making it versatile for a variety of missions. As you approach your destination, the rotorcraft's remarkable aerodynamic design once again proves its worth. Landings are smooth, aided by the efficient Fenestron tail rotor and the advanced FADEC system. As you finally touch down, it's hard not to appreciate the finesse with which this machine handles from start to finish. The base purchase price for a new Airbus ACH-160 is $14 million before options, and the charter price is estimated at $4,000 to $6,000 per hour. Naturally, prices will vary depending on availability, fuel prices, ground fees, and more. While the annual fixed cost is roughly $500,000 to $750,000, the average hourly operating cost is estimated at $2,000 to $3,000. Thank you for staying with us till the end. Here are two videos you can watch next. If you enjoyed this video, make sure to leave a like and subscribe. Thanks for watching!