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| NH Industries NH 90 |
Militarymedia.net | In 1985 five European countries signed a memorandum of understanding that included the NATO helicopter for the 90s, or NH 90. The UK dropped out of the program in 1987 and switched to the EH 101, leaving France, Germany, Italy and the Netherlands in the project. through NH Industries. It was established in France in 1992 to control a collaborative program involving Eurocopter France (with NFT [Norway] as a risk-sharing partner from 1994), Agusta, Eurocopter Deutschland and Fokker. The stated requirement is 220 helicopters for France, 214 for Italy, 272 for Germany and 20 for the Netherlands, and it is anticipated that the first flight in 1995 will pave the way for deliveries from 1999.
The two early versions were the NH 90 NFH (NATO Frigate Helicopter) for autonomous anti-submarine warfare and anti-ship roles, and the NH 90 TTH (Tactical Transport Helicopter) for assault transport, rescue, electronic warfare, and VIP transport duties.
The NFH variant is being developed under Agusta's leadership and its advanced mission suite includes a 360° search radar, immersion sonar, infrared, magnetic anomaly detector, and electronic surveillance measures and electronic countermeasures systems.
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| NH Industries NH 90 |
The TTH variant is being developed under the leadership of Eurocopter Deutschland, with a cabin for 20 soldiers or one 2,000 kg vehicle. It can carry area-pressure and self-defense weapons. Forward-looking infrared is standard on the TTH to provide flight capability at night and in inclement weather, and both models are controlled via a quadruplex fly-by-wire control system.
Two engine types were available to increase the export potential of the NH 90. The first of five flying and one ground test prototype was the French-assembler PT 1 which first flew on 18 December 1995 with the RTM 322 engine. Partner countries have now identified home requirements for 642 NH 90, with 244 helicopters delivered since March 2000.
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| NH Industries NH 90 |
