Eurocopter NH90
The NH90 design and development contract was awarded by Nahema, the Nato agency representing the 4 participating governments of France, Italy, Germany and The Netherlands to NHIndustries the joint venture shared by Agusta, Eurocopter, and Fokker.
The NH90 therefore, derived both in the transport and naval version from a common basic model, has been conceived as a brand new and innovative weapon system, with technical and technological solutions in line with the future expectations of the operators.
As for technologies and performance, equal consideration has been given to Reliability, Availability, Maintainability, Testability and Supportability.
The NH90 helicopter is being developed in two variants: the Tactical Transport Helicopter (TTH) and the NATO Frigate Helicopter (NFH) to meet the requirements expressed by European Armed Forces. The NH90, derived both in the transport and naval version from a common basic model, has been conceived as a brand new and innovative weapon system, with technical and technological solutions in line with the future expectations of the operators. As for technologies and performance, equal consideration has been given to Reliability, Availability, Maintainability, Testability and Supportability.
Some outstanding innovations in this project include the extended use of composite materials, the high level of system integration and modularity, the aerodynamic design, the advanced mission flight aids, the high level of safety, the maintainability and supportability characteristics.
Thanks to its features and system integration, the NH90 is capable of operating successfully in any environment, by day and night under adverse weather conditions.
The TTH version is primarily conceived for tactical transport of personnel (20 troops) and material (more than 2500 kg of cargo), heliborne operations and SAR.
Additional applications include medevac (12 stretchers), special operations, electronic warfare, airborne command post, parachuting, VIP transport, flight training.
The NFH is primarily conceived for autonomous Anti-Submarine Warfare and Anti Surface Unit Warfare missions. Additional applications include Anti-Air Warfare support, Vertical Replenishment, Search & Rescue and troop transport. The helicopter is designed for day & night / adverse weather / severe ship motion environment operations.
NH-90 Main Characteristics
- All-composite crashworthy fuselage with low radar signature. Constant cross section centre fuselage and two large sliding doors.
- Crash resistant, self sealing fuel tanks.
- Retractable crashworthy landing gear.
- Titanium main rotor hub with elastomeric bearings and four composite blades
- Avionics system based on a dual MIL-STD-1553B digital databus. Colour LCD 8" x 8"
- Multifunction display for flight, mission systems and maintenance data presentation.
- Automatic monitoring and diagnostic system to maximize reliability, maintainability and supportability.
- Multiple redundancy for all vital systems.
- Twin engine (TTM 322-01/9 or T700-T6E) with O.E.I. 30 sec emergency ratings (>2,000 kW each).
- Dynamic system with 30' dry running time capability.
- APU for electrical engine start and ECS ground operation.
- Minimum crew : one pilot for flight under VFR and IFR.
- Fly-by-wire controls.
- ILS Requirements : mission reliability >97.5%, MTBF 4 hours, 2.5 maintenance man hours per flying hour.
Recent developments (news)
Gripen opens up for Norwegian-Swedish Helicopter cooperation
Posted at: Tue Feb 13th, 2007
Saab AB and Heli-One AS in Norway have today signed a Memorandum of Understanding regarding the international helicopter support market. The possible future Norwegian procurement of the Gripen fighter aircraft has paved the way for a co-operation between Hel...
Eurocopter's billion dollar push in India
Posted at: Mon Jul 3rd, 2006
Mumbai: Eurocopter, a wholly owned subsidiary of European aerospace major EDAS, and the world's largest civil and military helicopter manufacturer, is set to invest over $1 billion in India over the next two years. According to a report posted on website of the Business Standard, the company would a...
Australia Buys 34 Additional NH90 Helicopters
Posted at: Mon Jun 19th, 2006
The Government has approved a $ 2 billion acquisition of thirty-four MRH 90 helicopters to replace Navy’s Sea King and Army’s Black Hawk helicopters.
The selection of the MRH 90 complements the Government’s decision in 2004 to acquire an initial twelve MRH 90 helico...
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