New Zealand NH90 TTH fleet complete
The ninth and final NH90 tactical transport helicopter (TTH) has been delivered to the New Zealand Defence Force by NH Industries, the company announced on 3 November.
New Zealand acquired the NH90 helicopters to replace the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s Iroquois fleet under a contract signed in 2006.
Built at Airbus Helicopter’s Marignane facility, the final aircraft was transported to Ohakea Air Base – where it will be based - by an Antonov 124 Cargo plane.
Four of the NH90 aircraft were delivered in initial configuration and retrofitted by Airbus Helicopters to bring them up to final configuration standard between September 2013 and July 2014.
Xavier Poupardin, delegated managing director, NH Industries, said: ‘This 9th delivery is an important milestone in the life of the NH90 programme since it is the first time an NH90 operator is ready to operate all the aircraft ordered, today. The Royal New Zealand Air Force operates 8 NH90 TTH in final operational configuration, this is the result of our commitment to deliver the helicopter the customer needs.
‘The completion of the delivery process does not mean the contract is over, NHI and its partner companies are closely following the customer needs in terms of support and evolutions throughout the life of the helicopter.’
As of today, more than 216 helicopters have been delivered and are in service in Belgium, Germany, France, Italy, The Netherlands, Sweden, Finland, Norway, Greece, Oman, Australia and New Zealand.
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