NHIndustries and its Partner Companies (Airbus Helicopters, Leonardo and Fokker) have delivered the first NH90 to the Spanish Air Force that will boost their Search and Rescue (SAR) and Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) mission capabilities.
First NH90 delivered to the Spanish Air Force for search and rescue missions
The Spanish Air Force will receive 12 NH90s intended to replace its aging fleet of AS332 Super Pumas and will be based in Cuatro Vientos, near Madrid. Spain has ordered a total of 45 NH90s in the tactical transport version, to be operated by the three Armed Forces. 13 helicopters have already been delivered to the Spanish Army Airmobile Force (FAMET) for the Maneuver III Battalion in Agoncillo.
Javier Salto, General of the Air Force highlighted that: «For the Spanish Air Force, the NH90 provides an essential asset capable of performing a wide range of missions, including tactical transport of troops and logistics support in peacekeeping or reconstruction missions and, of course, the main search and rescue missions in hostile conditions which is one of the most demanding and complex missions for helicopter units».
«The NH90 is particularly suited to operating in hot and high conditions and will prove to be a real asset to the critical missions performed by the Spanish Air Force», said Nathalie Tarnaud-Laude, Head of NH90 programme at Airbus Helicopters and President of NHIndustries.
The NH90 will provide all three of the Spanish armed forces with a versatile and modern transport system helicopter that offers unrivalled military capabilities. The Spanish variant of the NH90 features next-generation General Electric CT7 8F5 engines, a personalized communications system and a sophisticated electronic warfare system developed by Indra and will be supported by training devices (including full flight simulators), automatic maintenance equipment (SAMe), and Automatic Mission Planning System (AMPS) developed as well by Indra. Airbus Helicopters in Spain is involved in the manufacturing of the fuselage and the avionics software development and integration.
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.
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».
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)
«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
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
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
According to Defense-Aerospace.com, the Caiman helicopter has now obtained its combat qualification in the Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) role. Friday, March 13, 2015 was an important date in the history of the NH90 Caiman Marine helicopter, which after qualifying to operate the MU90 lightweight torpedo had been certified as having attained an initial combat capability by the French Navy staff.
A French navy NH90 Caiman anti-submarine warfare helicopter seen here during operational trials of its primary ASW weapon, the MU90 lightweight torpedo. The helicopter has now obtained its combat qualification in the ASW role (FR navy photo)
This is a significant milestone for the FREMM frigate/Caiman operational duo, which is qualified for engaging the most up-to-date submarine threats at longer stand-off ranges.
The French Navy’s Caiman saga began with the delivery of the first helicopter on May 2010. It was followed in December 2011 by the type’s first «rescue alert» mission on the Atlantic coast and on a nation-wide stand-by for «maritime anti-terrorism» missions. In February 2013, the Caiman qualified for the «Ship-based Anti-Submarine Warfare» mission, in support of the Navy’s strategic missile submarines and of the aircraft carrier task force.
A naval Caiman is currently deployed on board the air-defense frigate Chevalier Paul (D621), which is currently deployed to the Middle East on operation Arromanches.
The mission system in the NH90 NFH is an all-in-one system that allows autonomous and joint ASW, ASuW and SAR operations without role change
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)
External Dimensions
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
Cargo Capacity
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)
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
«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)
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)
