Start here
A few places to begin, from the aircraft’s story to the people who fly it.
Meet the aircraft
Airbus launched the H160 programme publicly in 2015, with the first flight that year. The design combines a composite-intensive airframe with distinctive swept main-rotor tips and an enclosed tail rotor. Its roles include passenger transport and public-service work. HPG's simulator implementation places particular emphasis on its automatic flight-control system.
Aircraft background
Wikipedia contributors · Read more ↗Snow nearly cancels a Las Vegas demonstration
A winter snow shower was an unexpected obstacle to Bourke’s Las Vegas flight. The camera helicopter was stranded at another airport, and the H160 had to enter the exhibition hall the following morning. While waiting, he talked with the engineers and test crew working from a modest rented hangar. A break in the weather finally made the flight possible.
Vertical · April 2018. Two-hour evaluation on 23 February with Olivier Gensse in prototype F-WWPL, before Heli-Expo; production equipment was still evolving.
Vertical · Read more ↗Four-axis automation with a separate backup layer
HPG's H160 has a four-axis automatic flight-control system, two main computers and backup SAS. Cyclic trim release temporarily gives the pilot an input window, while beep trim changes meaning according to the active upper mode. The guide gives autopilot-off, upper-mode-off and backup-cut actions different functions.
H160 · Hype Performance Group · MSFS 2020 · MSFS 2024
HPG · Read more ↗Into the cockpit
YouTube Aviation International News · 6 min ·
Airbus Helicopters H160: The Pilot’s Perspective – AIN
An Airbus test pilot introduces the prototype H160 cockpit at Heli-Expo.
Real aircraft · H160 prototype
Watch on YouTube ↗
YouTube Nick Murray · 55 min ·
Airbus ACH160 Helicopter full flight with detailed cockpit tour
A detailed ACH160 tour covering the cabin, flight deck, engine start and flight.
Real aircraft · ACH160 executive variant
Watch on YouTube ↗Preview images are served by AirframeDB. Videos open on YouTube only when you choose to watch.
Meet Airbus H160
Airbus launched the H160 programme publicly in 2015, with the first flight that year. The design combines a composite-intensive airframe with distinctive swept main-rotor tips and an enclosed tail rotor. Its roles include passenger transport and public-service work.
HPG's simulator implementation places particular emphasis on its automatic flight-control system. Its four-axis AFCS and backup stability functions manage flight control; the developer manual describes their modes.
Airbus H160
Aircraft type designators
Use the code for the model you are flying. The linked authority lists the applicable aircraft.
History & design
A prototype travels with its working team
Bourke’s visit finds the H160 programme far from its home base, with engineers, test equipment and a tightly scheduled exhibition appearance.
Vertical · Inside the H160, middleweight contender ↗Prototype US demonstration tour, 2018
Passenger experience was part of the development brief
Gensse describes windows, noise, vibration and cabin temperature as deliberate priorities alongside cockpit workload. His interview adds the test team’s explanation of the H160’s design choices, while remaining a manufacturer’s account of its own programme.
Airbus · A conversation with experimental test pilot Olivier Gensse ↗Programme interview before entry into service
Development milestones
First flight: 13 June 2015
Wikipedia contributors · Airbus Helicopters H160 ↗Airbus Helicopters H160 · family/variant named by the source · Wikipedia revision 1374236182
Pilot accounts
Snow nearly cancels a Las Vegas demonstration
A winter snow shower was an unexpected obstacle to Bourke’s Las Vegas flight. The camera helicopter was stranded at another airport, and the H160 had to enter the exhibition hall the following morning. While waiting, he talked with the engineers and test crew working from a modest rented hangar. A break in the weather finally made the flight possible.
The changing light sent the two helicopters searching for suitable photographic backgrounds around the mountains. Gensse flew the close formation while Bourke handled radios and lookout. Later, Bourke tried the controls himself, landing at a ridge site and exploring the aircraft before returning for supervised circuit work. Visibility and responsive handling made the helicopter feel smaller than its size suggested. The day combined a demanding promotional schedule with a memorable opportunity to learn from its test pilot.
Vertical · April 2018. Two-hour evaluation on 23 February with Olivier Gensse in prototype F-WWPL, before Heli-Expo; production equipment was still evolving.
Read the full account · Vertical ↗The test pilot wants complexity to do useful work
Having worked on the H160 from its beginnings, Gensse admitted that his enthusiasm was personal. Customer demonstrations gave him a particular reward: watching experienced pilots and passengers react after a flight. He saw those reactions as an encouraging response to years spent developing the aircraft.
His account repeatedly returns to the pilot’s attention. More equipment would have little value, he argued, if it merely created more buttons and monitoring work. The cockpit needed to present relevant information and make the automation useful enough that pilots would actually choose it. Passenger comfort also shaped the work, from windows to cabin temperature. He expressed pride in the result and acknowledged his attachment to the programme.
Airbus interview · April 2019. Programme test pilot discussing development and customer demonstrations before entry into service; manufacturer-published perspective.
Read the full account · Airbus ↗Experiencing the cabin before taking the controls
Mabille began his H160 introduction in the passenger cabin. Wide windows and a quiet environment made an immediate impression, even with the prototype’s test equipment and temporary interior. After watching demonstrations in flight, he landed with the crew at Berre La Fare and moved into the cockpit for his own evaluation.
His naval flying background made visibility during hoisting work a particular interest. He explored the view from a hover and tried supervised handling and simulated emergencies, then let Gensse demonstrate more demanding manoeuvres. On the return to Marignane, the approach and electric brakes supplied further impressions. Afterward, Mabille realised how much time he had spent looking outside instead of being drawn into the displays. The account describes a prototype demonstration, including equipment and expectations that still belonged to the development programme.
Helicopter Industry · October 2018. Early-May visit to Marignane with Olivier Gensse and Nicolas Certain in prototype PT1, F-WWOG; one hour and twenty minutes overall.
Read the full account · Helicopter Industry ↗In your simulator
Systems, equipment and documentation for each developer’s aircraft.
Compare simulator versions →MSFS 2020 · MSFS 2024H160
Hype Performance Group · Released
H160
Hype Performance Group · Released
MSFS 2020 · MSFS 2024H160
HPG · Released
H160
HPG · Released
Aircraft specifications
Published figures for the named real-aircraft variant. Simulator equipment and performance can differ.
| Specification | Published value |
|---|---|
| Length | 13.96 m (45 ft 10 in) |
| Height | 4.91 m (16 ft 1 in) |
| Empty weight | 4,050 kg (8,929 lb) |
| Max takeoff weight | 6,050 kg (13,338 lb) |
| Powerplant | 2 × Safran Arrano 1A turboshaft engines, 955 kW (1,280 shp) each |
| Main rotor diameter | 13.40 m (43.96 ft) |
| Main rotor area | 141 m² (1,520 sq ft) |
| Cruise speed | 255 km/h (158 mph, 138 kn) |
| Range | 880 km (550 mi, 475 nmi) |
| Service ceiling | 6,096 m (20,000 ft) , 9,300 ft (2,835 m) hover ceiling IGE |
Manuals & resources
Find your next read
Choose a topic for a short introduction and a link to the original source. Simulator references identify the developer and edition they cover.
Simulator documentation
Four-axis automation with a separate backup layerH160 · Hype Performance Group · MSFS 2020 · MSFS 2024
HPG's H160 has a four-axis automatic flight-control system, two main computers and backup SAS. Cyclic trim release temporarily gives the pilot an input window, while beep trim changes meaning according to the active upper mode. The guide gives autopilot-off, upper-mode-off and backup-cut actions different functions.
Content Creator Preview · 20 October 2023 · PDF pp.3–4,26–27
HPG · Read the source ↗The preview guide does not require a separate throttle axisH160 · Hype Performance Group · MSFS 2020 · MSFS 2024
HPG maps collective to either THROTTLE AXIS or COLLECTIVE AXIS, with only one chosen. The simulated FADEC handles engine fuel control. This differs from packages that require separate collective and twist-throttle assignments.
HPG H160 preview · 20 October 2023 · PDF p.3
HPG · Read the source ↗Map layers, cameras and navigation have documented scopeH160 · Hype Performance Group · MSFS 2020 · MSFS 2024
The guide describes selectable map layers for helipads, hospitals and airports, plus a tail-camera view. Its FMS choices are PMS or TDS GTN750; CMA9000 was listed as forthcoming. The description covers the October 2023 preview.
HPG H160 preview · PDF pp.22–25
HPG · Read the source ↗Pilot account
Snow nearly cancels a Las Vegas demonstrationVertical · April 2018. Two-hour evaluation on 23 February with Olivier Gensse in prototype F-WWPL, before Heli-Expo; production equipment was still evolving.
A winter snow shower was an unexpected obstacle to Bourke’s Las Vegas flight. The camera helicopter was stranded at another airport, and the H160 had to enter the exhibition hall the following morning. While waiting, he talked with the engineers and test crew working from a modest rented hangar. A break in the weather finally made the flight possible. The changing light sent the two helicopters searching for suitable photographic backgrounds around the mountains.
Jon Bourke
Vertical · Read the source ↗The test pilot wants complexity to do useful workAirbus interview · April 2019. Programme test pilot discussing development and customer demonstrations before entry into service; manufacturer-published perspective.
Having worked on the H160 from its beginnings, Gensse admitted that his enthusiasm was personal. Customer demonstrations gave him a particular reward: watching experienced pilots and passengers react after a flight. He saw those reactions as an encouraging response to years spent developing the aircraft. His account repeatedly returns to the pilot’s attention. More equipment would have little value, he argued, if it merely created more buttons and monitoring work.
Olivier Gensse
Airbus · Read the source ↗Developer documentation
H160 — product listingH160 · MSFS 2020 · MSFS 2024
Product listing captured 2026-09-30; edition scope from the reviewed catalogue
www.hypeperformancegroup.com · Read the source ↗Read the original documentation from the people who created it. Manuals open on their publisher’s website.
Manual
H160 quick-startHPG Microsoft Flight Simulator aircraft manualsMicrosoft / aircraft developersAircraft background
Airbus Helicopters H160Wikipedia contributors · Research background · Wikipedia revision 1374236182 · retrieved 2026-09-12Resource
HPG productsHype Performance GroupProduct
H160Hype Performance Group · Official developer / designated store catalogue · checked 2026-09-12Type designator
ICAO Doc 8643 — aircraft type designatorsInternational Civil Aviation Organization · Public search data retrieved 2026-09-14; authority update 2026-09-03Built-in force-feedback profiles
Read the documentary basis, editable starting settings and remaining questions for the aircraft you fly. Each explanation refers to the exact profile revision shown.
Catalogue programme-20261022-v1 · 2 profile choices
HPG H160
Hype Performance Group · Free and Pro · Revision 2 · Inherited starting point
MSFS 2020 · MSFS 2024
HPG H160: Nominal cyclic spring and damping provide the chosen baseline while the add-on manages AFCS and automatic trim.
Airbus H160
Free and Pro · Revision 1 · Partial review
MSFS 2024 · MSFS 2020
Airbus H160: Nominal cyclic spring and damping provide the chosen baseline while the add-on manages AFCS and automatic trim.
Airbus H160
Airbus H160: Nominal cyclic spring and damping provide the chosen baseline while the add-on manages AFCS and automatic trim.
Aircraft and simulator scope
- Airbus H160 · MSFS 2024 · family starting point
- Airbus H160 · MSFS 2020 · family starting point
HPG H160 Quick-Start plus EASA H160B type-certificate data, Issue 05; documentary scope does not qualify HPG telemetry. · Selected choice: Airbus H160. Documentary scope does not establish every variant, add-on revision or simulator binding.
The simulator model and controls
Airbus launched the H160 programme publicly in 2015, with the first flight that year. The design combines a composite-intensive airframe with distinctive swept main-rotor tips and an enclosed tail rotor. Its roles include passenger transport and public-service work.
This starting point selects Airbus H160. Its aircraft-level settings do not select a particular developer’s custom systems.
How this profile feels
Spring resistance builds with the selected airspeed response. A separate aerodynamic term adds speed-dependent control load.
Local force trim holds the selected hardware centre. Autopilot following is off.
Cyclic damping is on. Its configured gain is 0.35; it resists hardware motion separately from the spring and aircraft stabilization.
Controls and trim
HPG's H160 guide connects automatic trim with dual autopilots and backup stabilization. Rotor trim reset pauses AFCS logic for manual cyclic input, and beep trim depends on the active context. FADEC manages the engine throttles. EASA type data separately describes retractable hydraulic tricycle gear. None of these systems is reduced to a single moving hardware-spring centre.
About the values
The gains are normalized profile settings. They describe the chosen effect balance; hand force depends on the device and its output limits. IAS references are tuning values rather than operating limits. Physical acceptance of this revision remains pending.
What the documentation establishes
The EASA type data identifies the H160B rotor and undercarriage configuration, distinct from the HPG software guide.
HPG describes automatic trim as part of dual-autopilot and backup stabilization behavior, not merely a movable spring center.
Trim reset, AFCS pause and context-dependent beep trim are documented; local force trim remains a reduced software representation.
The H160 AFCS includes dual autopilot and backup stabilization, despite disabled generic following.
Retractable tricycle gear with hydraulic actuation is documented in the type data; motion-cue gain is not.
Documentary review and sources
These decisions describe the documentary basis and remaining gaps for this revision. Aircraft documentation and a starting setting describe different kinds of evidence.
Aircraft and variant
ReviewedThis starting point selects Airbus H160. Its aircraft-level settings do not select a particular developer’s custom systems.
Flight controls
ReviewedHPG's H160 guide connects automatic trim with dual autopilots and backup stabilization. Rotor trim reset pauses AFCS logic for manual cyclic input, and beep trim depends on the active context. FADEC manages the engine throttles. EASA type data separately describes retractable hydraulic tricycle gear. None of these systems is reduced to a single moving hardware-spring centre.
Trim
ReviewedCyclic damping is on. Its configured gain is 0.35; it resists hardware motion separately from the spring and aircraft stabilization.
Autopilot and stability
ReviewedAutopilot following is off; the configured spring and load retain the hardware feel.
Equipment
ReviewedGear, flap and ground cues follow the selected settings and available simulator-reported states.
Speeds and limits
Not yet reviewedThe indicated-speed references set the profile response scale; they are separate from aircraft operating limits.
Simulator integration
ReviewedThe profile targets msfs2024, msfs2020. Add-on-specific controls use only the supported references configured by this profile.
Force-feedback settings
Not yet reviewedThe settings define the profile’s effect balance. Device output limits affect physical hand force.
Starting settings and their rationale
These configured values are starting estimates. The explanations describe what each setting controls; physical validation appears separately below.
| Setting | Starting value | What it controls and why |
|---|---|---|
| Spring strength | Starting value0 | What it controls and whyNominal cyclic spring and damping provide the chosen baseline while the add-on manages AFCS and automatic trim. The baseline spring is 0. Its low-speed blend reaches baseline strength at 70 KIAS. |
| Master force gain | Starting value0.85 | What it controls and whyScales overall profile strength while preserving effect balance, subject to device and output limits. |
| Profile force gain | Starting value0.35 | What it controls and whyThe aerodynamic-load gain is 0.35 with an indicated-speed reference of 140 KIAS. This supplies speed-dependent loading alongside the spring. |
| Force tuning speed/reference | Starting value140.0 kt | What it controls and whySets the IAS reference for aerodynamic loading. It is an estimate, not published cruise TAS or a flight limit. |
| Spring response reference speed | Starting value70.0 kt | What it controls and whySets the IAS where the low-speed blend reaches baseline strength; high-speed stiffening also uses it. |
| Aileron force scale | Starting value1 | What it controls and whyRoll and pitch aerodynamic scales are 1 and 1, respectively. They set the aerodynamic axis balance. No custom spring-travel curve is enabled. |
| Elevator force scale | Starting value1 | What it controls and whyScales pitch aerodynamic loading; pitch spring travel and trim responses are separate settings. |
| Trim feel | Starting valueDisabled | What it controls and whyRetained for compatibility and group membership. Trim relief, rather than this flag, controls centre movement. |
| Trim relief | Starting valueDisabled | What it controls and whyAllows trim relief with supported control law and valid telemetry. Axis authorities set its amount. |
| Autopilot follow | Starting valueDisabled | What it controls and whyAutopilot following is off; the configured spring and load retain the hardware feel. |
| Autopilot neutral hold | Starting valueDisabled | What it controls and whyPermits centering hold during a supported AP state, separate from following a moving target. |
| Output force limit | Starting value0.55 | What it controls and whyCaps directed-force output. Native spring effects and device limits remain separate. |
All 44 starting settings and their rationale
The settings define the profile’s effect balance. Device output limits affect physical hand force.
| Setting | Starting value | What it controls and why |
|---|---|---|
| Spring strength | Starting value0 | What it controls and whyNominal cyclic spring and damping provide the chosen baseline while the add-on manages AFCS and automatic trim. The baseline spring is 0. Its low-speed blend reaches baseline strength at 70 KIAS. |
| Spring deadband | Starting value0.02 | What it controls and whySets travel around the centre before the baseline spring resists. Smaller values engage it sooner. |
| Profile force gain | Starting value0.35 | What it controls and whyThe aerodynamic-load gain is 0.35 with an indicated-speed reference of 140 KIAS. This supplies speed-dependent loading alongside the spring. |
| Master force gain | Starting value0.85 | What it controls and whyScales overall profile strength while preserving effect balance, subject to device and output limits. |
| QBlend Enabled | Starting valueEnabled | What it controls and whyAllows baseline spring strength to rise with indicated airspeed where the control law permits it. |
| QSpring Minimum Factor | Starting value1 | What it controls and whySets low-speed spring strength as a fraction of baseline when blending is enabled. One keeps full strength. |
| QSpring Start Knots | Starting value19.6 kt | What it controls and whySets the IAS where the low-speed spring blend starts rising. This is a feel threshold, not a flight limit. |
| Spring response reference speed | Starting value70.0 kt | What it controls and whySets the IAS where the low-speed blend reaches baseline strength; high-speed stiffening also uses it. |
| Force tuning speed/reference | Starting value140.0 kt | What it controls and whySets the IAS reference for aerodynamic loading. It is an estimate, not published cruise TAS or a flight limit. |
| Airspeed spring stiffening gain | Starting value0 | What it controls and whyAdds permitted spring resistance above the full-blend speed. Zero removes this high-speed increase. |
| Airspeed spring stiffening limit | Starting value5 | What it controls and whyLimits the squared airspeed ratio used for high-speed spring stiffening; it is not a device-force cap. |
| Aileron force scale | Starting value1 | What it controls and whyRoll and pitch aerodynamic scales are 1 and 1, respectively. They set the aerodynamic axis balance. No custom spring-travel curve is enabled. |
| Elevator force scale | Starting value1 | What it controls and whyScales pitch aerodynamic loading; pitch spring travel and trim responses are separate settings. |
| Output force limit | Starting value0.55 | What it controls and whyCaps directed-force output. Native spring effects and device limits remain separate. |
| Trim feel | Starting valueDisabled | What it controls and whyRetained for compatibility and group membership. Trim relief, rather than this flag, controls centre movement. |
| Trim relief | Starting valueDisabled | What it controls and whyAllows trim relief with supported control law and valid telemetry. Axis authorities set its amount. |
| Elevator Authority | Starting value0.3 | What it controls and whyScales supported pitch-trim relief and permitted centre movement. Zero removes pitch response. |
| Aileron Authority | Starting value0.3 | What it controls and whyScales supported roll-trim relief and permitted centre movement. Zero removes roll response. |
| Force Trim Enabled | Starting valueEnabled | What it controls and whyLocal force trim is a limited hardware-neutral function; it does not recreate AFCS pause, upper modes or backup stabilization. Local force trim is on. It holds a selected spring centre with strength 0.55. |
| GLoad Enabled | Starting valueDisabled | What it controls and whyAllows load-factor changes to modify permitted spring laws. Passive fly-by-wire feel can suppress it. |
| Rate Damping Enabled | Starting valueEnabled | What it controls and whyEnables rate damping with the configured coefficients and control law. |
| Autopilot follow | Starting valueDisabled | What it controls and whyAutopilot following is off; the configured spring and load retain the hardware feel. |
| Autopilot follow authority | Starting value0.05 | What it controls and whySets admitted AP-follow gain, not a percentage of travel. Runtime ownership and input limits still apply. |
| Autopilot neutral hold | Starting valueDisabled | What it controls and whyPermits centering hold during a supported AP state, separate from following a moving target. |
| Autopilot neutral hold strength | Starting value0.6 | What it controls and whySets admitted AP neutral-hold strength; inactive while neutral hold is disabled. |
| Enabled | Starting valueEnabled | What it controls and whyEnables aerodynamic cues; each still needs nonzero strength and its simulator conditions. |
| Gain | Starting value0 | What it controls and whySets stall-buffet strength. Zero removes the cue without changing simulator stalls or warnings. |
| Gain | Starting value0 | What it controls and whySets high-Mach buffet strength; onset and full-strength thresholds are separate. |
| Gain | Starting value0 | What it controls and whySets flap buffet at the configured position and speed gates. Flap movement texture is separate. |
| Maximum flap index | Starting value1 | What it controls and whySets the final flap index for detent normalization. UP plus three detents uses maximum index3. |
| Minimum flap index | Starting value1 | What it controls and whySets the first flap detent that admits buffet; this is a handle index, not degrees. |
| Gain | Starting value0.1 | What it controls and whySets gear aerodynamic buffet; movement and ground-contact cues are separate. |
| Shaker Enabled | Starting valueDisabled | What it controls and whyPermits shaker at supported warning conditions; the switch does not establish aircraft equipment. |
| Stick shaker amplitude | Starting value0.5 | What it controls and whySets triggered shaker strength; inactive while the shaker feature is disabled. |
| Enabled | Starting valueEnabled | What it controls and whyEnables ground effects; each still needs its own strength and contact or motion telemetry. |
| Gain | Starting value0.15 | What it controls and whySets rolling texture strength, modified by speed, surface and undercarriage configuration. |
| Gain | Starting value0 | What it controls and whySets gear-bump texture during ground motion, separate from touchdown impact. |
| Gain | Starting value0.5 | What it controls and whySets landing-impact strength; landing telemetry and response shape determine the pulse. |
| Gain | Starting value0 | What it controls and whySets reverse-thrust vibration with valid reverser and engine conditions. Zero removes the cue. |
| Enabled | Starting valueEnabled | What it controls and whyEnables engine cues with nonzero settings and valid running-engine telemetry. |
| Gain | Starting value0.06 | What it controls and whySets estimated engine vibration using configured telemetry and response, not measured cockpit vibration. |
| Enabled | Starting valueEnabled | What it controls and whyEnables accessory cues with configured strengths and observed accessory movement. |
| Gain | Starting value0 | What it controls and whySets texture from observed flap movement; a command without movement does not establish the cue. |
| Gain | Starting value0.12 | What it controls and whySets texture from observed gear movement, separate from aerodynamic and touchdown effects. |
Limits and open questions
- The examined AFCS section does not establish an indicated-speed force reference or full operating envelope.
- AFCS descriptions and certified configuration data do not determine cyclic spring force or preset damping.
Physical validation
No physical force validation is recorded in this public catalogue for this revision. Documentary review and software checks do not establish how a particular device feels.
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