Australian premier backs Eurocopter bid for Air9000 tender over Sikorsky
Source: Australian Aerospace, 22-Feb-11
Premier Anna Bligh today backed a bid by Brisbane-based Australian Aerospace for a lucrative Australian Navy Contract that would create hundreds of Queensland jobs. The Federal Government currently is considering two rival bids to provide Australia’s new naval combat helicopter under the Air9000 Phase 8 tender – one from Brisbane-based Australian Aerospace who would assemble [...]
Australian NH-90 program running 18 months late
Source: Sydney Morning Herald, 02-Feb-11
New army and navy helicopters are running up to 18 months late and could end up on the government’s shame file of dud projects. Defence will now conduct a review of the $4 billion program to buy 46 European MRH-90 helicopters.
First flight of NH90 TTH for France
Source: Eurocopter, 19-Dec-10
Marignane, France, 17 December The first NH90 in the tactical transport helicopter configuration for France made its maiden flight today at Eurocopter’s Marignane, France facility. During a one-hour mission, the NH 90 TTH carried out dynamic systems checks followed by handling qualities evaluations and initial avionics tests, followed by the rotary-wing aircraft’s departure to the [...]
First flight of NH90 TTH for Spain
Source: Eurocopter, 19-Dec-10
Marignane, France December 17 Eurocopter conducted the first flight of Spain’s NH90 TTH tactical transport helicopter today, sustaining the development pace for this multinational rotary-wing program. The one-hour mission was performed at Eurocopter’s Marignane facility in France. A multidisciplinary team from Eurocopter España contributed to this Spanish NH90 program milestone, which involved the first NH90 [...]
New commander for RNZAF’s No.3 Squadron
Source: Southland Times, 12-Dec-10
A former Central Southland man today takes command of a Royal New Zealand Air Force squadron poised to retire the UH-1 and introduce the NH90
Wikileaks – Spanish PM cost Rolls-Royce £200M NH90 engine contract
Source: This is Derbyshire, 07-Dec-10
It is claimed the Spanish military had decided in favour of R-R, but the decision was overturned and the £200M contract was handed to US firm General Electric after an intervention by Prime Minister after US lobbyied Jose Luis Zapatero direct.
Eurocopter expects NATO approval for NH90 by January
Source: Reuters, 06-Dec-10
Eurocopter chief executive Lutz Bertling has said he expects final approval from NATO’s procurement agency Nahema for the NH90 transport helicopter
Australian MRH90 engine restrictions to be lifted soon?
Source: Australian Aviation, 26-Nov-10
Australian Aerospace CEO Jens Goennemann is confident that operating restrictions on the Rolls-Royce Turbomeca RTM322 turboshaft that powers the ADF’s MRH 90 helicopters will soon be lifted.
Royal Australian Navy receive first MRH90 at Nowra
Source: ABC, 21-Nov-10
The first of the Navy’s new MRH 90 helicopters have arrived at the naval air station HMAS Albatross at Nowra ready to begin replacing the ageing Sea King fleet
Heli-Power 2010: Delays in Dutch NH90 deliveries create SAR headache
Source: Shephard, 19-Nov-10
The Netherlands government is considering contracting in some level of night-time search and rescue (SAR) capability due to delays in the delivery of NH90 multirole helicopters.
Netherlands successfully tests torpedo launch from NH90
Source: Dutch Ministry of Defence, 13-Nov-10
[electronic translation from Dutch press release] The latest Defence Helicopter, the NH-90, has 13 Mk46 torpedoes successfully dropped over the Marsdiep in Den Helder. This was the first time and represents a major milestone towards full deployment. The torpedoes were dropped under various operating conditions such as high and low speeds at various heights and [...]
New Zealand – Ohakea AFB staff began moving into the new 3 Sqn HQ
05-Nov-10
The 8,000 sq.m building, which cost about NZ$26M, will be home to the Defence Force’s 13 new helicopters – eight NH90s and five A109LUHs
Germany launches HSG-64, their first NH-90 Squadron
Source: Luftwaffe, 27-Oct-10
[Electronic translation from German original] On 1 October 2010 was placed under a solemn appeal to the air base Holzdorf the only helicopter squadron of the Air Force. On 21 October 2010 was this helicopter squadron (HSG) 64 the first helicopter of the type NH-90. The new transport helicopter was flown by Lieutenant Colonel Reiner [...]
Eurocopter optimistic as RAN helicopter decision approaches
Source: Aviation Business, 19-Oct-10
The European helicopter manufacturer is well into the delivery phase of 18 Tiger armed reconnaissance helicopters and 42 MRH90 helicopters for the Army. But the two imminent opportunities are Phases 7 and 8 of the ADF’s Project Air 9000.
New Zealand pilots off to France to train on NH90s
Source: Manawatu Standard, 10-Oct-10
A team of 23 New Zealand pilots, technicians and crew members will travel to France from next month to begin training with the eight NH90 helicopters
Agoncillo military base will receive Spain’s first NH90
Source: Rioja, 01-Oct-10
Army unit BHELMA III is expected to take delivery of its first NH90 in 2012 and it has been announced that it will be based at Agoncillo
Australian Aerospace says MRH90 helicopters are on track
Source: Australian Aerospace, 22-Sep-10
Leading defence contractor, Australian Aerospace Limited, says it is on track to meet its 2010 schedule for deliveries of NH90 MRH multi-role helicopters to the Australian Defence Force (ADF). Australian Aerospace, which produces the MRH90s at its final assembly facility on Brisbane Airport, delivered its 13th MRH90 on 3 September 2010. Another three helicopters are [...]
EC225 paves the way for SAR NH90s in France
Source: Shephard, 18-Sep-10
Commander Guillaume Guitard of the French Fleet Air Arm’s test unit at Hyeres, said crew transition from the EC225 to the NH90 was ‘less steep than it would have been if they had to transition from the Super Frelon’.
Denmark short lists five naval helicopters
Source: Defense News, 16-Sep-10
The five NATO-compatible contenders include the AgustaWestland AW101, AgustaWestland Lynx Wildcat, NH Industries NH90, Sikorsky H-92 and the U.S. Navy’s Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk.
Eurocopter accuses Australian military of bias over tender
Source: The Age, 10-Aug-10
THE battle for a billion-dollar contract to supply navy helicopters has turned nasty, with one of the two bidders accusing Defence of giving the rival company preferential treatment.
New Australian NH-90 problem – engines now inspected every 5 hours
Source: Herald Sun, 05-Aug-10
Australian Dept of Defence did not reveal the problem and did not announce that an MRH-90 helicopter on a routine flight from Brisbane to Townsville on Saturday was grounded at Mackay airport.
Australia finds NH90 engine failure due to compressor blade fracture
Source: Flightglobal, 29-Jul-10
Australia has discovered that an engine failure on an NH90 transport helicopter was caused by the compressor blades fracturing after coming into contact with the engine casing.
Second NH90 helicopter lands in De Kooy
Source: Koninklkijke Luchmacht, 24-Jul-10
(electronic translation from the Dutch press release) The second NH90 helicopter arrived yesterday afternoon at Maritime Air Station De Kooy. Defence purchased this helicopter type to replace both the Lynx maritime helicopters and the AB-412 rescue helicopters. The Operational Test & Evaluation (OT & E) team flew the aircraft from Italy to the Netherlands. The [...]
MRH90 to resume flying in Australia
Source: Eurocopter, 23-Jul-10
Australian Aerospace Limited, which assembles the Army’s and Navy’s MRH90 helicopters in Brisbane, has welcomed the imminent return to flying operations by the Australian Defence Force (ADF) world leading and most advanced multi-role helicopter. The ADF announced today that the MRH90s will recommence flying operations later this week. The ADF ceased flying their MRH90 fleet [...]
Eurocopter blames Australian NH90 pilots for engine failure
Source: Herald Sun, 20-Jul-10
Eurocopter chief executive Lutz Bertling said the root cause of the problem was pilots not following “correct procedures” for a so-called “hot” engine start.
Royal Air Force of Oman takes delivery of its first NH90
Source: NH Industries, 30-Jun-10
NHIndustries is pleased to announce the delivery on time of the first batch of two NH90.multipurpose helicopters ordered by the Royal Air Force of Oman (RAFO). The Certificate of Transfer of both helicopters occurred on June 23 on the Royal Air Force of Oman base of MUSANA after a very demanding 2 months evaluation period [...]
French military gives NH90 the name “Caiman”
Source: Mere et Marine, 23-Jun-10
A Caiman is an genus within the Alligator species
Eurocopter unveils NH90 MedEvac variant at ILA 2010
Source: Eurocopter, 04-Jun-10
Eurocopter will be presenting an NH90 in the Forward Air MedEvac (Medical Evacuation) configuration for the first time at ILA 2010 in Berlin. Designed to meet the future needs of the German Armed Forces, this configuration of the world’s most advanced multirole military helicopter is the company’s response to an initiative by the German Federal [...]
Finland details experience with new NH90s
Source: FlightGlobal, 03-Jun-10
Now equipped with seven aircraft from its eventual fleet of 20 TTH-configured NH90s, the Finnish army’s Utti Helicopter Battalion has been flying the type since May 2008 from Utti air base near Kouvola
French Navy takes delivery of its first NH90 NFH
Source: NH Industries, 03-Jun-10
NHIndustries is pleased to announce the delivery occurred on May 5th of the first NH90 NFH helicopter to the French Navy. The French Forces have up to now ordered 27 NH90 NFH as well as 34 TTH to be followed by a subsequent optional batch of 34 TTH aircraft; this event marks the first delivery [...]
Germany restricts NH90 test flying
Source: Reuters, 01-Jun-10
Apparently linked to Australia’s NH90 decision, and only days after Germany suspended acquisition of Tiger gunships.
Australia grounds NH90 after engine failure
Source: Australian Dept of Defence, 19-May-10
Specialist personnel from the European engine manufacturer (Turbomeca and Rolls Royce have been brought to Australia to assist with the ongoing investigation into a technical incident with an Australian Defence Force (ADF) Multi Role Helicopter (MRH90) last month. The helicopter suffered an engine failure in one of its two main engines on 20 April 2010, [...]
Quatro Composites Produces Wiper Blades for NH90 and CH-53K
Source: Quatro Composites, 09-May-10
Since 2007, Quatro has manufactured composite wiper blades for application in several military helicopters’ windshield wiper systems, including the Eurocopter NH90. Broadening their production portfolio, Quatro will begin the design phase for the composite wiper blades for the Sikorsky CH-53K Super Stallion helicopter in May 2010. Driven by the increased strength, stiffness, light weight properties, [...]
France’s DGA receives first NH90
Source: DGA, 03-May-10
The Directorate General for Armaments (DGA) has approved Friday, April 23, 2010 the first NH90 NFH version for the Navy. It will soon be delivered to the Naval Aviation begins a campaign of operational experiments to lead to operational fielding expected in late 2011. The DGA has ordered 27 NFH 13 in support version and [...]
Dutch Navy Takes Delivery Of Its First NH90 NFH
Source: AgustaWestland, 22-Apr-10
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce on behalf of NH Industries the delivery of the first NH90 NFH helicopter to the Royal Netherlands Navy during an official ceremony held today at AgustaWestland’s Vergiate plant in Italy. The Royal Netherlands Navy has ordered a total of 20 NH90 NFH aircraft. Today’s event marks the [...]
Finland may hand old Mi-8s over to humanitarian aid use
Source: Helsingin Sanomat, 14-Apr-10
Other alternatives include donation to museums, or scrapping – the disposal being brought about by the acquisition of NH90 helicopters.
New Zealand 3 Sqn new base at Ohakea nearly complete
Source: Manawatu Standard, 10-Apr-10
The building is split into two hangar areas for 13 new helicopters, eight NH90 medium utility helicopters and five A109 light utility helicopters, which are worth about $900m.
Eurocopter rejects criticism of NH90 helicopter by ‘secret report’
Source: DefPro, 09-Apr-10
Quote “The report referred to by the daily press does not reflect the actual status and, respectively, the actual contractual background”
Choosing NH90 would boost Australian GDP by Au$661m, says report
Source: Australian Defence, 19-Mar-10
Australia’s GDP will increase by about $661 million from 2011 to 2024 if the NH90 NFH is selected by the country’s military, according to a report from economic consulting firm Access Economics.
Australia cautiously defend NH90 choice after German criticism
Source: Sydney Morning Herald, 02-Mar-10
Problems cited include limited clearance for getting in and out, rear ramp too weak, seats unable to accommodate soldiers weighing >110kg and no room for a door gunner.
Selex Galileo’s sonic system OTS-90 successfully showcased in Sydney on board the NH-90
Source: Selex Galileo, 27-Feb-10
SELEX Galileo’s sonic system OTS-90 was demonstrated successfully during recent flight trials performed in Australia. In a demo flight during the PAC2010 Exhibition, the helicopter NH90 (NHF) deployed the sonic sensor for a dip just in front of the Sidney Opera House (see picture). SELEX Galileo’s OTS-90 is an integrated system combining dipping sonar and [...]
Australian Government confirms naval tender is NH90 v MH-60R
Source: Australian Government, 25-Feb-10
The Minister for Defence, Senator John Faulkner, today announced that the Government has given first pass approval for a major project to provide the Australian Defence Force with a new naval combat helicopter. Project AIR 9000 Phase 8 is included in the Defence Capability Plan to provide naval warships with a new combat helicopter. Senator [...]
German army complains NH90 is not sturdy enough
Source: Earth Times, 24-Feb-10
The German army has complained that a new battlefield helicopter is too poorly-constructed for soldiers, with flimsy seats and thin floors easily dented by heavily armed men, it emerged Tuesday
Construction well under way of French NH90 base at Lanvéoc
Source: Mer et Maritime, 13-Feb-10
A new building to ensure the future support of the NH90 helicopters Navy is being built on naval aviation base at Lanvéoc-Poulmic
Finns and Germans in joint NH90 exercises in Lapland
Source: YLE, 11-Feb-10
This year the exercises have a major goal, which is to create a seamless symbiosis using the NH90 helicopters and command teams of both countries.
Australian Aerospace promises 750 jobs if NH90 chosen for Navy
Source: Australian Aerospace, 28-Jan-10
Australian Aerospace has promised to create 750 skilled jobs to build the NH90 NFH locally if it is chosen to replace the Ran fleet of Seahawks and cancelled Super Seasprites.
NH90 Helicopter Performs First Demonstration Flight in Canada
Source: PlaneNews, 15-Jan-10
A leading contender in the Canadian Maritime Helicopter Replacement Program (MHP) made its debut on the American continent in Ottawa. The NH90 demonstrated its outstanding maneuverability and superior handling capabilities to the media at the Canadian Aviation Museum
Dutch military receives first maritime NH-90
06-Jan-10
As the Dutch Ministry of Defence (MoD) confirmed shortly before Christmas, the Dutch Armed Forces has taken delivery of the first NATO Frigate Helicopter (NFH), the naval version of NHIndustries’ NH90. However, this first helicopter (designated NNLN03), from a total order of 12 NH90 NFH for the Netherlands, is not yet ready to be deployed [...]
Two Australian MRH-90s to be manufactured in Germany
Source: Rotorhub, 02-Dec-09
Two of Australia’s 46 aircraft Eurocopter-Australian Aerospace MRH-90 helicopters will be built in Germany as part of plans to recover schedule delays on the A$4.199 billion Air 9000 phase 2/4/6 acquisition program.
NH90 NFH completes ship deck trials in Norway
Source: NH Industries, 02-Dec-09
The naval version of the NH90 has recently completed with success a ship deck landing trial campaign aboard the Norwegian Coast Guard vessel “Nordkapp. “
Australia’s capital hosts visit by MRH90
Source: Australian Dept of Defence, 30-Nov-09
Greg Combet, Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science, today welcomed to the national capital a MRH90 helicopter. The MRH helicopter is replacing the Army’s Black Hawk and the Navy’s Sea King helicopters.
Australian military chiefs prefer MH-60R over the NH90
Source: UPI, 25-Oct-09
Australian military chiefs are pressing for the Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk helicopter over its European rival, the NH90 built by EADS, according to a classified document. Their decisions are outlined in a classified submission to Defense Minister John Faulkner and Minister for Defense Personnel, Materiel and Science Minister Greg Combet
Helisim Inaugurates its First NH90 Simulator
Source: Eurocopter, 23-Sep-09
Today, Helisim inaugurated its first NH90 flight simulator at the training center in Marignane (France) where it will be used to train military helicopter pilots. Helisim is a company jointly created by Eurocopter, Thales and DCI. The Australian Army Aviation, the French Navy and the French Army Air Corps will be the first customers to [...]
German Army Angry Over EADS Delays And Technical Glitches
Source: Free Internet Press, 20-Aug-09
Article covers both A400M and NH90 programs
First New Zealand NH90 commences test flights
Source: Scoop, 12-May-09
The first of the eight-strong fleet had its initial test flight at manufacturer NH Industries in Marignane, France, last week.
Australia confirms Army reluctance to accept MRH-90
Source: Rotorhub, 30-Apr-09
Australia’s Defence Materiel Organisation has confirmed that it is experiencing user push-back against the introduction of the Australian Aerospace-Eurocopter MRH-90 utility helicopter by the Australian Army.
Rolls-Royce Turbomeca signs engine support contract with Australian Aerospace for Army NH90 fleet
Source: Turbomeca, 12-Mar-09
Helicopter Flight Training Services inaugurates World’s first NH90 Full-Mission Simulator
Source: Eurocopter, 15-Jan-09
Eurocopter the No. 1 Civil & parapublic helicopter manufacturer takes up the challenge to gain a leading position in the military market in Japan
Source: Eurocopter, 02-Oct-08
Eurocopter the No. 1 Civil & parapublic helicopter manufacturer takes up the challenge to gain a leading position in the military market in Japan
Eurocopter leads Homeland Security Market in the United Kingdom and strongly supports the British Armed Forces
Source: Eurocopter, 17-Jul-08
Eurocopter leads Homeland Security Market in the United Kingdom and strongly supports the British Armed Forces
Eurocopter showcases a State-of the-Art Product Range at EUROSATORY 2008
Source: Eurocopter, 16-Jun-08
Eurocopter showcases a State-of the-Art Product Range at EUROSATORY 2008
Eurocopter displays latest-generation Product Range at ILA 2008
Source: Eurocopter, 27-May-08
Eurocopter displays latest-generation Product Range at ILA 2008
First NH90 for Finnish Army Aviation delivered
Source: Eurocopter, 07-Apr-08
First NH90 for Finnish Army Aviation delivered
