First two HAD-E Tigers delivered to Spain

The Spanish military’s new helicopter fleet continues to take shape with the delivery of the first two Tiger helicopters in the new HAD-E version from Airbus Helicopters. The first NH90 tactical transport helicopter (TTH) for the Spanish Army Airmobile Force (FAMET) has also been delivered, as announced by NHI on 19 December.

All three helicopters were assembled in the Spanish plant in Albacete, which successfully carried out the industrial phase, airworthiness certification and technical acceptance.

Francisco Vergé, CEO, Airbus Helicopters España, said: ‘The delivery of these three helicopters is a very important milestone for our company and we wish to thank the Spanish Ministry of Defense for trusting in us. Our close relationship with the Spanish Army and the different departments of the Directorate-General of Armament and Equipment (DGAM) has been crucial to ensuring the success of these two high-tech programmes.’

The Tiger combat helicopters offer a number of improvements over the HAP-E Tigers currently in service, including a new MTR-E turboshaft with 14% more power, an improved optronic vision system, Spike air-to-ground missiles, an Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) system coupled with an interrogator and a new electronic warfare and countermeasure system. Twenty-four Tiger helicopters will be delivered in total.

Airbus Helicopters España will supply a total of 22 NH90 helicopters to the Spanish armed forces under a delivery schedule that continues through to 2021. The Spanish plant is responsible for assembly of all the NH90 helicopters for the Spanish armed forces, along with manufacture of the front fuselage section both for the Spanish helicopters and for those destined for export.

As the Spanish version of the NH90, the GSPA has been designed to perform technical missions such as troop transport, search and rescue missions, personnel recovery and medical evacuation. It is equipped for day and night operations in all types of environments.