Relevant Links:
|
Designed from the outset as a multi-role weapons system NH90
helicopters are offered in the Tactical Transport Helicopter
(TTH) and naval (NFH) variants. Both configurations share a
common basic helicopter in a modular design, with specialized
mission equipment packages allowing for maximum flexibility
in operations. The distinctive diamond shape of the all-composite
airframe combines optimal aerodynamics with low detectability.
Optimized man-machine interface significantly reduces pilot
and crew workload. The helicopter uses a fly-by-wire flight
control system, making it the first production helicopter featuring
this advanced technology.
The German Army Air Corps is the first customer to have taken
delivery of its first four NH90s TTH in late 2006 and early
2007. Three of them are being used for flight training at
the Army Air Corps Flight Training Academy in Bückeburg,
the fourth is being used as a maintenance trainer at the Army
base in Fassberg. A total of eight TTH are scheduled to be
in service with the German Armed Forces by the end of 2007.
Sweden is the launch customer of the High Cabin Version (HCV)
of the NH9O which features an increased usable cabin height
by 24 centimeters, from 1.58 meters in the standard version
to 1.82 meters. This variant allows operators and passengers
to stand upright in the cabin. The increased cabin height
is particularly important in SAR missions. Sweden had signed
the contract for 25 NH9O in September 2001, covering 18 firm
orders for 13 TTT I SAR helicopters and five ASW variants,
plus seven options.
The TTT (Tactical Troop Transport) / SAR (Search and Rescue)
and ASW (anti-submarine warfare) variants are derived from
the TTH (Tactical Transport Helicopter) version of the NH9O,
and are equipped with a complete new Tactical Mission System
(TMS) developed by SAAB in cooperation with NHlndustries.
The NH90 program is managed by NAHEMO (NATO Helicopter Management
Organisation) representing France, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands,
Portugal and Belgium, and by the industrial consortium NHIndustries
consisting of Eurocopter (62.5%), AgustaWestland (32%) and
Stork Fokker (5.5%)
|
|
Check Defense Update
NEWSCASTs for:
Get Defense Update News
on
your Phone!
|