NHIndustries NH90

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"NH90" redirects here. The term may also refer to National Highway 90 (India).
NH90
An NH90 of the German Army
Role Medium transport/utility helicopter
Manufacturer NHIndustries
First flight 18 December 1995
Introduction 2007[1]
Status In production, being delivered
Primary users German Armed Forces
Italian Armed Forces
French Armed Forces
Australian Defence Force
Produced 1995-present

The NHIndustries NH90 is a medium sized, twin-engine, multi-role military helicopter manufactured by NHIndustries. The first prototype had its maiden flight in December 1995. Thirteen nations have ordered the NH90 with deliveries starting in 2006.

Design and development

In 1985, France, West Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom teamed to develop a NATO battlefield transport and anti-ship/anti-submarine helicopter for the 1990s. The United Kingdom left the team in 1987.[2] On 1 September 1992, NH Industries signed an NH90 design-and-development contract with NAHEMA (NATO Helicopter Management Agency).[3] This agency represented the four participating nations: France, Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands. Portugal later joined the agency in June 2001. Design work on the helicopter started in 1993.[4] The first prototype, PT1, made the type's first flight on 18 December 1995.[2][4] The second prototype, PT2, first flew on 19 March 1997 and the third prototype, PT3, on 27 November 1998.[4]

NH90 cockpit

The NH90 has been developed in two main variants: the Tactical Transport Helicopter (TTH) and the NATO Frigate Helicopter (NFH).[2] However, many of the customer countries have requested specific changes for their NH90s. The programme had some technical and funding problems in the 1990s.[5] Then the partner nations placed a large production order for 366 helicopters in June 2000.[2] This was soon followed by a series of orders from Europe, Asia, and Australia.

The NH90 was initially intended to be produced at three exporting assembly lines; Cascina Costa in Italy for AgustaWestland, Marignane in France and Donauwörth in Germany for Eurocopter. The Nordic and Australian contracts stipulated production locally (the Nordic ones at Patria in Finland and the Australian ones in Brisbane). Spain has a final assembly line at Albacete.[6][7]

The programme ran into a 2 year production delay, and the first NH90s were delivered by late 2006. The type certification for the Finnish helicopters was finally approved on 19 February 2008.[8]

Operational history

Orders

Australia

In 2005, Australia ordered 12 to replace its aging Army UH-1 Iroquois helicopters. The number was revised in June 2006 when the Australian Defence Force announced plans to replace its UH-60 Black Hawk and Westland Sea King fleets.[9] with an order of at least 34 additional NH90s, taking their total order to 46; four manufactured in Europe, 42 manufactured locally at Australian Aerospace (a Eurocopter subsidiary) in Brisbane.[10][11] In Australian service, the NH90 will be known as the MRH 90, where 'MRH' stands for Multi Role Helicopter.[12] The NFH variant competed with the Sikorsky MH-60R for the Royal Australian Navy S-70B Sea Hawks replacement program, before selecting the latter in June 2011 with an order of 24.[13] Although six NH90's will remain with 808 Squadron for the Navy [14]

Germany

The German Army has bought the troop transport variant but has expressed concerns about its suitability. The German Navy (Deutsche Marine) was considering procuring 30 NFH for their new Maritime Helicopter in 2009.[15]

Greece

In August 2003, Greece ordered 20 NH90s with an option for 14 more.[16] Four aircraft have been delivered to the Greek armed forces by March 2012. These are being used for flight and maintenance training for the Greek Armed Forces.[citation needed]

France

The French government has ordered a total of 34 NH90 TTHs, for the ALAT and 27 NFH for the Navy. [17][18] Both versions will be named "Caïman" and final assembly will be carried out by Eurocopter. [19]

Netherlands

The Netherlands, one of the original supporters of the programme, has 20 units on order. However, due to design changes, the helicopter is too heavy to be used in combination with the Dutch frigates for which they were explicitly ordered. It is unclear what additional changes need to be made to make them suitable for the Dutch primary role.[20] In 2010 The Royal Netherlands Navy became the first customer to receive the NFH variant,[21] which was completed by AgustaWestland[22]

New Zealand

In July 2006, the New Zealand Government signed a contract to purchase 8 NH90s (plus 1 extra for spares) to replace their Air Force's fleet of UH-1 Iroquois. These eight aircraft cost NZ$771m (~€500m), of which "over a third" was for support,[23] implying each cost around €35m. The first two arrived in New Zealand in March 2012.[23]

Oman

Oman ordered 20 TTH in 2004, their first aircraft flew in 2007 entering operational service in 2009. [24] The aircraft have an enhanced power plant ordered for tactical transport operations and search & rescue operations. Ten were delivered by 2012.[25]

Portugal

Portugal was the fifth nation to join the programme with an order for ten transport NH90 in June 2001. In 2012, the financial crisis led Portugal to cancel the order despite having spent €87m on the project, in order to save another €420m in acquisition and running costs to 2020.[26]

Saudi Arabia

In July 2006, the Saudi Government agreed to purchase 64 NH90s.[27] Then in October 2007 the government reversed their plans, and signed on the buy Russian equipment instead[28]

Scandinavia

In 2001, three Nordic countries signed purchase orders, Sweden placed an order for 18 helicopters (with option to buy additional seven), Finland for 20 helicopters, and Norway for 14 helicopters (with option to buy additional ten).

Norway

In December 2011, the first Norwegian NH90 helicopter was delivered.[29] In an announcement on 20 July 2012, Norwegian Deputy Defence Minister Roger Ingebrigtsen stated that "once our current Westland Lynx helicopters reach their end of life in 2014, we are going to have replacement helicopters on our naval vessels. If the NH90 hasnt been delivered, we will purchase another helicopter." He also said that "considering that the aircraft were to be delivered by 2005, and that delivery is yet to start by 2012, our confidence in the producer isn't exactly on the rise". Sources in the Defence Department that remain unnamed, told TV2 that "we have started looking for other producers".[30] On 14 August 2012, Norwegian newspaper Aftenposten reported that Luftforsvaret, the Royal Norwegian Air Force, would be recommending that the Norwegian Department of Defence contact Sikorsky, asking for an offer, in order to verify whether the some of the versions of the MH-60 Seahawk, specifically the MH-60R would be a viable alternative to the NH-90 in the Anti-submarine warfare (ASW) role aboard Norwegian Fridtjof Nansen class frigates and coast guard vessels. A report from the RNoAF was commissioned by Minister of Defence, Espen Barth Eide in the late spring/early summer of 2012, and was to be delivered on 15 August 2012. The newspaper quoted Lieutenant Colonel Per Egil Lindqvist, acting leader of the Development Staff at the RNoAF as the source of the information. He was also stated, "We are still hoping for the NH90, and we hope that NHIndustries realize the gravity of the situation." The newspaper went on to quote Defence Minister Espen Barth Eide, saying "We still believe the marine version of the NH90 to be the optimal platform, and we hope to purchase it, but there are limits to our patience." He went on saying "I want to make the point that Norway is one of few European countries that currently has the funds to purchase defence equipment. The majority (of countries) are rather cancelling orders".[31]

NH90 is also a candidate for the Norwegian All Weather Search and Rescue Helicopter (NAWSARH) that is planned to replace the Westland Sea King Mk.43B of the Royal Norwegian Air Force in 2015.[32] The other candidates for the NAWSARH contract of 10–12 helicopters were AgustaWestland AW101, Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey, Eurocopter EC225, and Sikorsky S-92.[33] However, the V-22 was eliminated from the competition in 2012.[34]

Spain

On 20 May 2005[35] the Council of Ministers authorised the acquisition of 45 NH-90, but the contract was not signed until December 2006. The original budget was for €1,260m (€28m/aircraft); by 2010 this had grown to €2,463m (€54.7m/~US$70m per aircraft).[35] As of June 2012 Spain was negotiating to cut their purchase to 37 aircraft.[36]

Other nations

On 20 June 2007, during the Paris Air Show 2007, Belgium signed the contract for 10 NH90s (4 NFH, 4 TTH + 2 options) and also became the sixth nation to join NAHEMA.[37]

First deliveries

The first NH90s were delivered by late 2006 to the German Army. These were followed by Italian and Finnish helicopters in 2007. Later during 2007, the Italian and French navies started to receive their NFH versions and the first Swedish NH90s were also delivered. On 18 December 2007 the first two MRH 90 aircraft were delivered to the Australian Defence Force.[38] The Royal Netherlands Navy got its first NH90 NFH in April 2010.[39] Norway started to receive their NH90s in November 2011.[40] New Zealand received their first two NH90s in December. 2011.[41] On December21st the Belgian armed forces received the first helicopter, from an order totally 8. In the same ceremony The French Navy received their first NH90 NFH.[42] and French army took delivery of their first NH90 TTH.[43]


Concerns over performance

Rear cargo ramp, German Army NH90

In 2010, German newspaper Bild reported that German Army experts had concerns that the helicopter was not yet ready for the transportation of combat troops. They stated that the troops seats were only rated for 110 kg (240 lb), which is not considered enough for a fully equipped modern soldier. Heavier infantry weapons could not be adequately secured during transport. The cabin floor was prone to damage, citing an anecdote of damage being caused by dirty combat boots. The helicopter could only land on firm ground, with obstacles not exceeding 16 cm (6.3 in). Troops carrying full equipment could not use the rear ramp due to limitations placed on it. Adding a door machine gun was not possible due to space taken by troop ingress and egress. There was no provision for fast roping or paratroop equipment.[44] In response, the German Defense Ministry proclaimed that this article referred to a prototype version, and not to the production model; the specifications for which were not even finalised at the time. The prototype evaluation and its results were described as a normal procedure in an ongoing design process.[45]

On 20 April 2010, an Australian Defence Force MRH-90 suffered an engine failure near Adelaide. Only one engine was affected and the helicopter was landed safely at RAAF Base Edinburgh. The manufacturer has sent personnel to Australia to investigate the failure.[46] On 18 May the ADF announced that all of the Australian MRH-90 fleet were grounded due to engine issues since the 20 April incident.[47] Flights resumed in July 2010.[48]

In November 2011, the MRH-90 program was placed on the Australian Department of Defence's list of 'Projects of Concern'.[49] As of January 2012, it remains on the list with the 15 MRH-90s that have been delivered, cleared only for testing and initial training. The most serious problem identified by a diagnostic review and also the cause of the mid-2010 groundings,[50] is compressor blade rubbing caused by the bending of a spool in the Rolls-Royce Turbomeca RTM322 engine due to uneven cooling after shutdown. Other problems identified include:[51] failure of transmission oil cooler fans; windscreen cracking; an inertial navigation system that takes too long to align; and the weakness of the cabin floor to withstand the impacts of soldiers’ boots - a problem also encountered by the German military.

Variants

Dutch NFH

NFH: NATO Frigate Helicopter

The primary role of the NFH version is autonomous anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and anti-surface unit warfare (ASuW), mainly from naval ships. These aircraft are equipped for day and night, adverse weather and severe ship motion operations.

Additional roles include anti-air warfare support, vertical replenishment (VERTREP), search and rescue (SAR) and troop transport.

TTH: Tactical Transport Helicopter

The primary role of the TTH version is the transport of 20 troops or more than 2,500 kg of cargo, heliborne operations and search & rescue. It can quickly be adapted to MEDEVAC/CASEVAC missions by fitting up to 12 stretchers or cargo delivery capability.

Additional roles include medical evacuation (12 stretchers), special operations, electronic warfare, airborne command post, parachuting, VIP transport and flight training.

Tactical Troop Transport (TTT) is used for Finnish and Swedish TTHs in some contexts.

Operators

A German Army NH90 flight demonstration
Finnish NH90
Italian Army NH90
Australian MRH90
New Zealand NH90

In March 2012 the NH90 had been ordered by Germany (122), Italy (116), Australia (46), Spain (45), France (95), Finland (20), Greece (20), the Netherlands (20), Oman (20), Sweden (18), Norway (14), Portugal (10), New Zealand (9), Belgium (8).[23] Portugal have since cancelled their order.

 Australia
 Belgium
 Finland
 France
 Germany
 Greece
 Italy
 Netherlands
 New Zealand
 Norway
6 used by the Navy[65]
8 used by the Coast Guard[65]
 Oman
 Spain
 Sweden

Notable accidents and incidents

On 1 June 2008, a NH90 tactical transport helicopter struck the water and sank into Lake Bracciano, northwest of Rome, Italy. The helicopter was diving after completing a Fieseler Maneuver at the Lake Bracciano Air Show. Aircraft Commander Captain Filippo Fornassi was killed and co-pilot Captain Fabio Manzella was injured in the accident.[68] The helicopter was a hull-loss.[69][70]

Specifications

NH90 performing an external lift of a German Army Wolf vehicle

Data from International Directory[71]

General characteristics

  • Crew: 2 pilots (and possible sensor operator on NFH)
  • Capacity: 20 seated troops or; 12 medevac stretchers or; 2 NATO pallets or; 4,000 kg (8,818 lb) external slung load

Performance Armament

  • Missiles: anti-submarine and/or air to surface missiles (NFH version), 2x door gun

See also

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

References

  1. ^ Sgarlato, Nico (April 2008). "Gli NH-90 dell'Esercito". Aeronautica&Difesa (in Italian).
  2. ^ a b c d Frawley, Gerald. "NHIndustries NH 90". The International Directory of Military Aircraft, 2002/2003. Aerospace Publications, 2002. ISBN 1-875671-55-2.
  3. ^ "NAHEMA". Coleman.t. January 19, 2007. Retrieved June 3, 2012.
  4. ^ a b c "NH90 Helicopter - 3rd Prototype in Flight". Press Release. Eurocopter. November 27, 1998. Retrieved June 3, 2012.
  5. ^ "Aircraft profile: NH Industries NH90". Flightglobal.com. Retrieved June 3, 2012. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  6. ^ "News Breaks", Aviation Week & Space Technology, 1 January 2007.
  7. ^ a b "Eurocopter’s first NH90 TTH tactical transport helicopter for Spain performs its maiden flight". Eurocopter, 17 December 2010.
  8. ^ "Notification". [dead link]
  9. ^ "DMO — Air 9000 Phase 2".[dead link]
  10. ^ "Aus Aero". [dead link]
  11. ^ "Defence to spend $2b more on choppers". The Sydney Morning Herald. 2006-06-19. Retrieved 2006-06-19.
  12. ^ "Australian Government Orders 12 NH90 Helicopters". 2005-02-06.
  13. ^ Gunner, Jerry. "MH-60R beats NH90 for Australia Navy contract". Key Aero Aviation News, 17 June 2011.
  14. ^ "Fleet Air Arm (RAN) MRH-90". helis.com. Retrieved 12-January-2013. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  15. ^ "German Navy to decide soon on their new Maritime Helicopter". Defpro. 20 March 2009.
  16. ^ "Greece Signs the Contract for 20 NH90 Helicopters Plus 14 in Option". NHIndustries.com, 1 September 2003.
  17. ^ [Eurocopter’s first NH90 TTH tactical transport helicopter for France performs its maiden flight - Helicopter Database "Eurocopter's first NH90 TTH tactical transport helicopter for France performs its maiden flight"]. helis.com. Retrieved 12-January-2013. {{cite web}}: Check |url= value (help); Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
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  20. ^ "Volkskrant".
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  22. ^ "Venice Tessera NH90 Assembly Line Celebrates Its First Anniversary with a Double Delivery".
  23. ^ a b c Coleman, Jonathan (9 March, 2012). "New NH90 Helicopters launched". New Zealand Government. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
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  25. ^ "First NH90 Tactical Transport Helicopter for Oman Performed Maiden Flight at Eurocopter in Marignane". Eurocopter.
  26. ^ Barreira, Victor (3 July 2012). "Portugal ducks out of NH90 programme". Jane's: Defense & Security Intelligence & Analysis.
  27. ^ de Briganti, Giovanni (25 July 2006). "Saudi Arabia Launches Huge Arms Buying Spree; France to Net Most Orders". Defense Aerospace.
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  33. ^ Per Erlien Dalløkken (2009-05-07). "De fem kandidatene". Teknisk Ukeblad (in Norwegian). Retrieved 2009-06-06.
  34. ^ "Candidates that have passed the Pre-qualification process for delivery of future SAR helicopters for Iceland and Norway". Royal Norwegian Ministry of Justice and the Police. Retrieved 2012-02-26.
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  38. ^ Image Galleries 2007 - Department of Defence
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  40. ^ Første NH90 seks år på overtid
  41. ^ [1]
  42. ^ http://www.eurocopter.com/site/en/press/NH90:-Eurocopter-celebrates-two-firsts-with-Belgium-and-France_1001.html
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  50. ^ "MRH90 recommencement of flying operations". Ministerial press release. Department of Defence (Australia). 22 July 2010. Retrieved 11 January 2012.
  51. ^ Perrett, Bradley (10 January 2012). "Australian NH90 Delayed Further". Aerospace Daily and Defense Report. Aviation Week. Retrieved 11 January 2012.
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  53. ^ "Fleet Air Arm (RAN) MH/MRH-90". helis.com. Retrieved 12-January-2013. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  54. ^ "Nahema signs contract for 10 NH90 helicopters for Belgium". 19 July 2007. Retrieved 2007-09-12.
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  56. ^ "NH90 Caïman - TTH". French Army.
  57. ^ "Hélicoptère CAIMAN Marine". French Navy.
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  59. ^ "Hellenic Army AviationNH90 TTH". helis.com. Retrieved 12-January-2013. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  60. ^ "Italian Army Aviation Unit Takes Delivery of its First NH90 Helicopter". helis.com. Retrieved 12-January-2013. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  61. ^ "Italian Navy Takes Delivery of Its First NH90 NFH". helis.com. Retrieved 12-January-2013. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  62. ^ "First Flight of Royal Netherlands Navy NH90 NFH". NHIndustries. 10 August 2007.
  63. ^ "RNAF Receives First NH90 Helicopter". . Copyright 2012 Net Resources International. Retrieved 12-January-2013. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  64. ^ "Rotorhub Mar/Apr 2012 - Page 6". Shephard News.
  65. ^ a b c "Norway Takes Delivery of Its First NH90". Retrieved 2013-13-01. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  66. ^ "royal air force of oman NH90". helis.com. Retrieved 12-January-2013. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  67. ^ "Försvarsmakten NH90". helis.com. Retrieved 12-January-2013. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  68. ^ Peruzzi, Luca (2008-06-05). "Italian army NH90 TTH fatal crash; no flying restrictions to remaining fleet". Flight International. Retrieved June 27, 2008. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  69. ^ "MM81519" Helis. Retrieved: 24 August 2012.
  70. ^ "MM81519 E.I.202 2008 NHI NH-90 TTH C/N 1008/GITA03" Airport data. Retrieved: 24 August 2012.
  71. ^ Frawley, Gerald. "NH Industries NH 90". The International Directory of Military Aircraft, 2002/2003. Fyshwick, Act: Aerospace Publications, 2002. ISBN 1-875671-55-2.

External links

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