DGA takes delivery of the first naval NH90
The French defence procurement agency, the DGA has approved the first NH90 NFH version for the Navy.
The aircraft will soon be delivered to the Navy as it begins a campaign of operational tests before fielding in late 2011.
The DGA has ordered 27 NH90 Nato Frigate Helicopters (NFH), 13 of the support version and 14 combat variants. All will be delivered by 2021.
The industrial prime contractor is the consortium NH Industries (Eurocopter - 62.5%, AgustaWestland - 32% and Stork Fokker - 5.5%).
The NH90 is a major European program launched by France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, joined in 2001 by Portugal and Belgium in 2006. It is a real success in export markets 529 orders from 14 countries, including 111 NFH versions. The NH90 NFH will be used by the navies of France, Italy, The Netherlands, Belgium and Norway.
The NH90 NFH is 10 ton class helicopter and will carry out anti-submarine and anti-surface ship warfare.
The NH90 NFH can also be used for SAR, CSAR as well as anti-terror and anti-piracy missions. Its weight, dimensions, blades and tail pylon folding system means it can be operated even from light frigates including the Lafayette, Horizon and FREMM-class vessels.
The NH90 NFH is one of the most powerful in its class and is equipped with a fly-by-wire flight controls system.
It also has a high maneuverability and agility that allow crews to fly missions both by day and by night in very bad weather while its highly ergonomic cockpit is equipped with multi-function displays.
A carbon fibre structure makes it lighter and more discreet on radar. Moreover, the NH90 has a high level of safety and survivability.
Source: DGA
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