We checked out the high-tech Airbus H160 helicopter and are convinced it could be a game changer

Here it is! The Airbus H160 prototype.

It's the successor to the current HC155.

It's also a spiritual successor to the iconic AS365 Dauphin. (Here in US Coast Guard guise as the HH65A.)

We were given a tour of the H160 by Airbus experimental test pilot Olivier Gensse. There are only three H160 prototypes in existence. According to Gensse, this is Prototype #2 and it's set up for hot weather testing.

It's also the first civilian helicopter to feature a full carbon composite fuselage.

The H160 is equipped with a biplane horizontal stabilizer that prevents the nose of the helicopter from pitch downward during level flight.

As with every new Airbus helicopter, the H160 is also equipped with the company's signature Fenestron fantail design.

There's also a camera mounted to the top of the tail fin.

Here's the pilot's view of the camera.

But the big news is with the fan blades.

The H160 is equipped with new double swept Blue Edge composite blades. According to Gensse, these blades can reduce noise by 50%.

The H160 is powered by a pair of Safran Turbomeca Arrano turboshaft engines that can each produce 1,100 to 1,300 horsepower.

The engines are also expected to deliver 15% better fuel economy.

According to Airbus, the H160 can cruise at 178 mph and range of more than 530 miles.

Inside...

...H160 is equipped with a state-of-the-art glass cockpit.

The H160 has room for two pilots and up to 12 passengers. It can also haul more than 2,400 pounds of cargo. Here, the rear cabin is still configured for flight testing. The production cabin will look different.

The Airbus is designed to fulfill a variety of duties including search and rescue; emergency services; and as a private or corporate transport.

Here's the interior in luxury transport spec.

According to Airbus, the first H160s certified by European regulators are expected to be delivered by around the end of 2019. H160s that are FAA certified are expected to arrive six to eight months later.