Development of multi-role NH90 TTH complete

Eurocopter has announced that the declaration of compliance for the NH90 TTH (Tactical Transport Helicopter) variant’s Final Operational Configuration has been issued by the NATO Helicopter Management Agency (NAHEMA), bringing the aircraft’s development programme to a close. The NH90 TTH will now begin deliveries ahead of the aircraft’s full operational definition at the end of 2011.

The announcement confirms that the NH90 TTH will meet the specifications and operational requirements of the founding customers. According to Eurocopter, the French Army will now receive the initial aircraft variant before start-up deliveries commence to Italy, Belgium and Germany.

The NH90 programme is the largest military helicopter programme ever undertaken in Europe. The new-generation NH90 TTH is designed for use in a wide range of missions, including logistics and utility transport, combat search and rescue, casualty and medical evacuation, electronic warfare, special operations and counter-terrorism.

In its approved final operational configuration, the helicopter offers a matured avionics system, allowing day and night missions with no major restrictions; full military communications system functionality for interoperability in foreign operations; a complete set of technical publications; and the approval for overseas deployments by ship.

According to Eurocopter, ‘the aircraft provides a common platform for army and navy and air force roles, enabling countries to rationalise their helicopter fleets while also organizing training and support on a larger scale, with flexible management of personnel and equipment. Its large cabin, rapid access (with two lateral sliding doors and optional rear ramp) and quick role-change capability ensures mission flexibility for multiple operational scenarios’.