Tag Archives: NH90 TTH

Air

For Special Forces

NHIndustries and its Partner Companies (Airbus Helicopters, Leonardo and Fokker), have signed with the NATO Helicopter Management Agency (NAHEMA) a firm contract for the development of an upgraded version of the NH90 Tactical Troop Helicopter (TTH) for the French Special Forces (TFRA Standard 2). Under the terms of the production contract, the final batch of 10 NH90s already ordered by the French Ministry of Armed Forces, through the Armament General Directorate (DGA), will be delivered directly to this new standard at the beginning of 2025.

NH90 TTH
The upgraded NH90 tactical troop transport (TTH) helicopter for the French Special Forces

The new features provide a substantial increase in the helicopter’s mission capability and clearly position the NH90 as one of the world’s most advanced tactical troop carriers, particularly in challenging conditions such as sand, snow or fog.

The new TFRA Standard 2 configuration will incorporate a new-generation Electro-Optical System (EOS) EuroFLIR from Safran with displays and controls for both the pilots, commandos, gunners and load masters. The sensors will provide outputs to undertake updated mission planning on connected screens or tablets right up to the moment of egress.

In addition to the enhanced cockpit, the cabin will be upgraded with a new quick removable leaf doors system and fast-rope beam. This will provide extra capabilities through the rear of the aircraft with protective fire from the side-mounted machine guns.

As a complement to the existing equipment such as the M3M machine guns and external fuel tanks, other improvements serving the Special Forces and the French Army Aviation include new generation digital 3D map, folding boarding steps and additional ceiling-mounted rope anchor points.

In a second step it is foreseen that a Distributed Aperture System (DAS) composed of fixed infrared cameras displaying 3D vision in a new generation Helmet Mounted Sight Digital Display will also be incorporated, providing an unprecedented level of pilot support in low visibility, greatly enhancing the helicopter’s capability in degraded environmental conditions.

Nathalie Tarnaud-Laude, Head of NH90 programme at Airbus Helicopters and President of NHIndustries said: «This opportunity brings transformative digital technologies to the NH90 which will make it even more capable in precisely the kind of challenging conditions that can be faced today by Special Forces. We look forward to seeing it in service with the French Army and to offering it to other NH90 customers».

Air Force

Six additional NH90

The French Defence Procurement Agency (DGA) has ordered six additional NH90 helicopters in Tactical Troop Transport (TTH) configuration, bringing the total amount of NH90 TTHs on order for the French Army Aviation to 74.

An additional six in the TTH version, bringing overall fleet to 74 orders
An additional six in the TTH version, bringing overall fleet to 74 orders

«The French armed forces have deployed the NH90 operationally in Mali where its outstanding endurance, versatility and manoeuvrability have been greatly appreciated», said Guillaume Faury, President and CEO of Airbus Helicopters. «This additional order for six NH90s, to be delivered in 2017-2019, confirms the essential role that new-generation multirole helicopters play in modern operations», he added.

Combat-proven since 2010, the NH90 TTH has been successfully deployed by several countries in different theatres of operation. With a wide modular cabin, large sliding doors on each side and a rear ramp, the NH90 can be rapidly configured for such missions as troop transport with a 20-seat configuration, light vehicle transport, casualty evacuation with 12 stretchers, cargo airlift with standard NATO pallets, armed tactical transport, as well as combat search and rescue (SAR). An extensive list of role-tailored equipment allows the NH90 to fit operators’ mission needs.

The NH90’s 4-axis autopilot and fly-by-wire controls contribute to safety and maximum flight performance in severe operating conditions. The NH90 is the first serial helicopter in the world to be equipped with fly-by-wire technologies, significantly reducing pilot workload and allowing for this state-of-the-art helicopter to be piloted with ease.

To date, around 270 NH90 have been delivered to 13 countries and have logged nearly 100,000 flight hours, confirming the success of this helicopter on the export market.

NH90 TTH – a troop transport of up to 20 fully equipped troops
NH90 TTH – a troop transport of up to 20 fully equipped troops

 

MAIN CHARACTERISTICS

Overall dimensions (rotors turning)
Length 64.18 feet/19.56 m
Width 53.48 feet/16.30 m
Height 17.42 feet/5.31 m
Weights
Maximum Gross Weight 23,369 lbs/10,600 kg
Alternate Gross Weight 24,250 lbs/11,000 kg
Empty Weight 14,109 lbs/6,400 kg
Useful Load 9,260 lbs/4,200 kg
Cargo Capacity
Cargo Hook 8,818 lbs/4,000 kg
Single or dual Rescue Hoist 595 lbs/270 kg
Rescue Hoist on ground 880 lbs/400 kg
Fuel Capacity
7-Cell Internal System 4,486 lbs/2,035 kg
Internal Auxiliary Fuel Tanks (each) 882 lbs/400 kg
External Auxiliary Fuel Tanks (each) 644 lbs/292 kg or 1,102 lbs/500 kg
Internal Dimensions
Width 6.56 feet/2.00 m
Length 15.75 feet/4.80 m
Height 5.18 feet/1.58 m
Volume 536.78 feet³/15.20 m³
Sliding doors opening 5.25 × 4.92 feet/1.60 × 1.50 m
Rear ramp opening 5.84 × 5.18 feet/1.78 × 1.58 m
NH90 General Performance (Basic Aircraft)
Maximum Cruise Speed* 162 knots/186 mph/300 km/h
Economical Cruise Speed* 140 knots/161 mph/260 km/h
Maximum Rate Of Climb* 2,200 feet/min/11.2 m/sec
One Engine Inoperative (OEI) Rate Of Climb 2 min Rating* 850 feet/min/4.3 m/sec
OEI Rate Of Climb Continuous Rating at 6,560 feet/2,000 m* 300 feet/min/1.5 m/sec
Hover Ceiling In Ground Effect (IGE)* 10,500 feet/3,200 m
Hover Ceiling Out of Ground Effect (OGE)* 8,530 feet/2,600 m
Maximum Range 530 NM/610 miles/982 km
Maximum Range with 5,511.5 lbs/2,500 kg payload 486 NM/559 miles/900 km
Maximum Endurance 5 h
Ferry Range (with Internal Aux Fuel Tanks) 864 NM/994 miles/1,600 km

* At 22,046 lbs/10,000 kg

NH90 TTH (Tactical Troop Transport)
NH90 TTH (Tactical Troop Transport)
Air Force

The 20th and last

Airbus Helicopters and Patria, the company responsible for the local assembly of the NH90, marked the important milestone of the delivery of the 20th and last serial NH90 during a ceremony with the customer at Patria’s facility in Halli, Finland.

Airbus Helicopters and Patria, its local licensee, have delivered the 20th and final NH90 Tactical Transport Helicopter (TTH) to the Finnish Armed Forces, which have logged 7,500 flight hours on the type (Finnish Defence Forces photo)
Airbus Helicopters and Patria, its local licensee, have delivered the 20th and final NH90 Tactical Transport Helicopter (TTH) to the Finnish Armed Forces, which have logged 7,500 flight hours on the type (Finnish Defence Forces photo)

«These helicopters are used for various tasks of the Finnish Defense Forces such as national defense, international crisis management and for Search And Rescue (SAR) missions» said Jussi Ristimäki, FDF Program Manager for the NH90.

The very first flight of a Finnish NH90 took place in the Airbus Helicopters facility in Marignane in 2004 and the Finnish customer took delivery of the first NH90 in 2008. The remaining 19 helicopters were assembled by Patria in Finland. The contract was signed in 2001 for an order of 20 NH90 in Tactical Troop Transport (TTH) version for the Finnish Armed Forces and they have reached more than 7,500 flight hours since delivery.

«The delivery of this last serial helicopter is a significant milestone for the Finnish NH90 Program, and now moving forward we will concentrate on the retrofit program, which is already in progress», said Ernst Heckert, NHIndustries and Airbus Helicopters Program Manager for the Finnish NH90.

The NH90 is well suited for the severe metrological conditions in Northern Europe. Flying through the clouds causes ice to form, making the NH90’s deicing system indispensable for the Finnish winter. In addition, whiteout conditions are a common occurrence during helicopter missions in this cold climate, and clouds, fog, and snow can severely obstruct visibility. The NH90’s state-of-the art 4-axis autopilot and the fly-by-wire controls contribute to safety and maximum flight performance in such severe operating conditions. The NH90 is the first serial helicopter in the world to be equipped with Fly-By-Wire technologies, significantly reducing pilot workload and allowing for this state-of-the-art helicopter to be piloted with ease.

The twin-engine, medium-size NH90 helicopter program is managed by the consortium NHIndustries, the Company owned by AgustaWestland (32%), Airbus Helicopters (62.5%), and Fokker (5.5%).

The NH90’s integrated avionics suite and glass cockpit facilitates the crew’s control and interface with helicopter systems and the communications suite, as well as flight, navigation and mission aids. This enables an effective management for mission success and safety in all operating conditions
The NH90’s integrated avionics suite and glass cockpit facilitates the crew’s control and interface with helicopter systems and the communications suite, as well as flight, navigation and mission aids. This enables an effective management for mission success and safety in all operating conditions

 

NH90 helicopter

The NH90 – developed by Europe’s NHIndustries partnership (Airbus Helicopters, AgustaWestland, and Fokker) – was designed to meet NATO’s requirement for a modern medium-sized multi-role military helicopter for both land and maritime operations.

The common core vehicle for the Tactical Troop Transport (TTH) and the NATO Frigate Helicopter (NFH) versions is a twin-engine aircraft incorporating innovative features such as a full glass cockpit and Fly-By-Wire control system with 4-axis autopilot and advanced mission flight aids, along with on-board monitoring and diagnostics systems.

Benefitting from a modern approach to materials, the NH90’s composite fuselage has fewer parts and a lower structural weight, resulting in an endurance increase of 30% compared to a metallic fuselage, plus increased resistance to battle damage, among other benefits. The composite rotor blades have greater fatigue strength, damage tolerance and component lifetimes, as well as improved aerodynamic performance.

Benefitting from a modern approach to materials, the NH90’s composite fuselage has fewer parts and a lower structural weight, resulting in an endurance increase of 30% compared to a metallic fuselage, plus increased resistance to battle damage, among other benefits
Benefitting from a modern approach to materials, the NH90’s composite fuselage has fewer parts and a lower structural weight, resulting in an endurance increase of 30% compared to a metallic fuselage, plus increased resistance to battle damage, among other benefits

 

MAIN CHARACTERISTICS

Overall dimensions (rotors turning)
Length 64.18 feet/19.56 m
Width 53.48 feet/16.30 m
Height 17.42 feet/5.31 m
Weights
Maximum Gross Weight 23,369 lbs/10,600 kg
Alternate Gross Weight 24,250 lbs/11,000 kg
Empty Weight 14,109 lbs/6,400 kg
Useful Load 9,260 lbs/4,200 kg
Cargo Capacity
Cargo Hook 8,818 lbs/4,000 kg
Single or dual Rescue Hoist 595 lbs/270 kg
Rescue Hoist on ground 880 lbs/400 kg
Fuel Capacity
7-Cell Internal System 4,486 lbs/2,035 kg
Internal Auxiliary Fuel Tanks (each) 882 lbs/400 kg
External Auxiliary Fuel Tanks (each) 644 lbs/292 kg or 1,102 lbs/500 kg
Internal Dimensions
Width 6.56 feet/2.00 m
Length 15.75 feet/4.80 m
Height 5.18 feet/1.58 m
Volume 536.78 feet³/15.20 m³
Sliding doors opening 5.25 × 4.92 feet/1.60 × 1.50 m
Rear ramp opening 5.84 × 5.18 feet/1.78 × 1.58 m
NH90 General Performance (Basic Aircraft)
Maximum Cruise Speed* 162 knots/186 mph/300 km/h
Economical Cruise Speed* 140 knots/161 mph/260 km/h
Maximum Rate Of Climb* 2,200 feet/min/11.2 m/sec
One Engine Inoperative (OEI) Rate Of Climb 2 min Rating* 850 feet/min/4.3 m/sec
OEI Rate Of Climb Continuous Rating at 6,560 feet/2,000 m* 300 feet/min/1.5 m/sec
Hover Ceiling In Ground Effect (IGE)* 10,500 feet/3,200 m
Hover Ceiling Out of Ground Effect (OGE)* 8,530 feet/2,600 m
Maximum Range 530 NM/610 miles/982 km
Maximum Range with 5,511.5 lbs/2,500 kg payload 486 NM/559 miles/900 km
Maximum Endurance 5 h
Ferry Range (with Internal Aux Fuel Tanks) 864 NM/994 miles/1,600 km

* At 22,046 lbs/10,000 kg

The helicopters’ advanced self-protection suite is composed of a laser and radar warning receivers, a missile launch detection system and chaff/flare dispensers
The helicopters’ advanced self-protection suite is composed of a laser and radar warning receivers, a missile launch detection system and chaff/flare dispensers
Air Force

Workhorse for Spain

According to Mr. Julien Negrel, NHIndustries Business Director, NHI delivered to the Spanish Army Airmobile Force (FAMET) the first NH90 Tactical Transport Helicopter built in Spain. This delivery took place on Friday 19th December 2014 in Albacette, in the Airbus Helicopters Spain facility.

The Spanish version of the NH90 TTH
The Spanish version of the NH90 TTH

«This delivery is the proof that the NH90 is not only the best helicopter in its class to modernize the Spanish armed forces, but it is as well a true industrial partnership creating skilled jobs in Spain», declared Xavier Poupardin Delegated Managing Director of NHI. «The Spanish NH90 program is the result of an excellent cooperation between Industry and the Spanish Ministry of Defense, the Spanish Ministry of Industry with the support of the Directorate General of Armament and Equipment (DGAM)», added Xavier Poupardin.

The Spanish version of the NH90 TTH, the GSPA, will be the workhorse of the Spanish armed forces for the next decades, replacing several types of previous generation helicopters. Its main missions will be Tactical Troop Transport, Search and Rescue, Personnel Recovery and Medical Evacuation. NHI and Airbus Helicopters España will supply a total of 22 NH90 helicopters to the Spanish Armed Forces under a delivery schedule that continues through to 2019.

The NH90 is the optimal choice for modern operations thanks to its large full composite airframe, its excellent power to weight ratio, and its wide range of role equipment. It features a redundant Fly-by-Wire flight control system for reduced Pilot’s workload and enhanced flight characteristics.

The NH90 is proposed in two main variants, one dedicated to naval operations, the NH90 NFH (NATO Frigate Helicopter) and the NH90 TTH (Tactical Troop Transport) for land based operations. As of today, 230 helicopters have been delivered in Naval and Tactical transport variants since the beginning of the program and 51 since the beginning of 2014. They are in service in Belgium, Germany, France, Italy, The Netherlands, Sweden, Finland, Norway, Greece, Oman, Australia, New Zealand and Spain.

NH90 TTH (Tactical Troop Transport)
NH90 TTH (Tactical Troop Transport)

 

MAIN CHARACTERISTICS

 

External Dimensions

Overall dimensions (rotors turning)

Length:                                                                                19.56 m (64.18 ft)

Width:                                                                                  16.30 m (53.48 ft)

Height:                                                                                  5.31 m (17.42 ft)

 

Weights

Maximum Gross Weight:                                           10,600 kg (23,369 lb)

Alternate Gross Weight:                                            11,000 kg (24,250 lb)

Empty Weight:                                                                  6,400 kg (14,109 lb)

Useful Load:                                                                        4,200 kg (9,260 lb)

 

Cargo Capacity

Cargo Hook:                                                                        4,000 kg (8,818 lb)

Single or dual Rescue Hoist:                                      270 kg (595 lb)

Rescue Hoist on ground:                                             400 kg (880 lb)

Crew (2 + 1); 20 troops in full crashworthy or up to 12 strechers

 

Fuel Capacity

7-Cell Internal System:                                                2,035 kg (4,486 lb)

Internal Auxiliary Fuel Tanks (each):                   400 kg (882 lb)

External Auxiliary Fuel Tanks (each)                   292 kg (644 lb)

or                                                                                               500 kg (1,102 lb)

NH90 Helicopter
NH90 Helicopter

 

Internal Dimensions

Width:                                                                                    2.00 m (6.56 ft)

Length:                                                                                   4.80 m (15.75 ft)

Height:                                                                                   1.58 m (5.18 ft)

Volume:                                                                                 15.20 m³ (536.78 ft³)

Sliding doors opening:                                    1.60 × 1.50 m (5.25 × 4.92 ft)

Rear ramp opening:                                          1.78 × 1.58 m (5.84 × 5.18 ft)

 

NH90 General Performance (Basic Aircraft, at 10,000 kg)

Maximum Cruise Speed:                                               300 km/h (162 kts)

Economical Cruise Speed:                                            260 km/h (140 kts)

Maximum Rate of Climb:                                              11.2 m/s (2,200 ft/min)

OEI (One Engine Inoperative) Rate of Climb 2 min Rating:        4.3 m/s (850 ft/min)

OEI Rate of Climb Continuous Rating at 2000 m (6560 ft):       1.5 m/s (300 ft/min)

Hover Ceiling IGE (In Ground Effect):                   3,200 m (10,500 ft)

Hover Ceiling OGE (Out of Ground Effect):      2,600 m (8,530 ft)

Maximum Range:                                                               982 km (530 NM)

Maximum Range with 2,500 kg payload:             900 km (486 NM)

Maximum Endurance:                                                     5 h

Ferry Range (with Internal Aux Fuel Tanks):     1,600 km (864 NM)

GSPA Helicopter
GSPA Helicopter

 

Power System – Twin engine with dual channel FADEC

(Full Authority Digital Electronic Control)

Two Turbomecca (RTM 322-01/9 or RTM 322-01/9A enhanced version)

or

Two General Electric (GE T700/T6E1 or CT7-8F5 enhanced version)

 

NH90 Engines Power Ratings

(Uninstalled power data-ISA/Sea Level)

 

RATING                                                                                     RTM 322-01/9

OEI 30 sec (100%):                                                              2,172 kW (2,913 shp)

OEI 2 min:                                                                                 1,855 kW (2,488 shp)

OEI Continuous:                                                                   1,781 kW (2,388 shp)

AEO TOP (All Engines Operating)(30 min) (x2):1,781 kW (2,388 shp)

AEO Continuous (x2):                                                        1,664 kW (2,231 shp)

 

RATING                                                                                     GE T700/T6E1 (*)

OEI 30 sec (100%):                                                              2,095 kW (2,809 shp)

OEI 2 min:                                                                                 1,842 kW (2,470 shp)

OEI 60 min:                                                                              1,692 kW (2,269 shp)

AEO TOP (30 min) (x2):                                                    1,692 kW (2,269 shp)

AEO Continuous (x2):                                                        1,577 kW (2,115 shp)

(*) GE engines with Integrated Particle Separator (IPS)

 

Role Equipment

Door mounted pintle machine gun (7.62 mm or 12.7 mm)

Armour protection for cabin (modular)

Self-protection suite