Airbus Helicopters begins flight tests for NH90 Standard 2 prototype

Airbus Helicopters has launched the flight test campaign for the prototype of the NH90 Standard 2. This configuration, developed specifically for the French Army Aviation to support special forces operations, is one of the latest NH90 variants. The French Ministry for Armed Forces has ordered 18 NH90s in the Standard 2 configuration. Flight testing will continue until the end of the year in accordance with the schedule agreed with the French Armament General Directorate (Direction Générale de l’Armement).

The Standard 2 configuration includes the integration of the Safran Euroflir 410 electro-optical system, a new digital map generator, installation for a third crew member, and new enlarged rear sliding windows able to accommodate self-protection guns. The tests will validate the design of the new configuration. The prototype of the NH90 Standard 2 has also been equipped with mechanical and electrical provisions dedicated to the Distributed Aperture System (DAS) and a new-generation helmet-mounted sight digital display (HMSD-DD) with future integration planned. These systems will enhance the special forces’ ability to operate in highly demanding conditions.

These flight tests are part of a programme launched in 2020 by the NATO Helicopter Management Agency (NAHEMA), NHIndustries (NHI) and its partner companies (Airbus Helicopters, Leonardo and Fokker) for the development and upgrade of ten NH90 TTHs in the Standard 2 configuration. Following the programme launch, in December 2023, NAHEMA, on behalf of the French Ministry for Armed Forces, awarded a contract to NHIndustries for the production of eight additional NH90 TTHs in the Standard 2 configuration, thus renewing its confidence in the NH90 programme.

By the end of the decade, the French Army Aviation will operate 81 NH90 TTHs. The NH90 was first delivered to the French Army in 2011. Sixty-three NH90 TTHs have been delivered so far. It was deployed in operations for the first time in Mali in 2014 and has since reached 50,000 flight hours in total.

The French armed forces’ NH90s are supported by NHI under the NH90 Operational Support (NOS) contract, common with Germany, a performance-based agreement that delegates a major part of the nation’s logistics and maintenance activity to NHI, enabling the customers to focus on their critical operations.

NHIndustries is the largest rotorcraft joint venture, responsible for the design, manufacturing, and support of the NH90 helicopter, one of the leaders in the latest generation of military helicopters. The company combines the best of the European rotorcraft and defence industries, being owned by Airbus Helicopters (62.5%), Leonardo (32%), and GKN Fokker (5.5%). Each company has a long aerospace pedigree and brings the top of its skills and expertise to the end product.

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