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The NH90 program, promoted by the Spanish
Secretariat of Defense through the Directorate-
General of Armament and Equipment (DGAM), is the
first to supply all three branches of the
Spanish armed forces. It will provide
Spain’s military with an advanced helicopter
transport system and associated technology, with
Spanish participation not only in the
manufacture of the helicopter itself but also in
other areas such as installation of the
electronic warfare systems, simulation
equipment, automated test benches and engine
assembly.
The NH90 produced in two basic versions the
Tactical Transport Helicopter (TTH) and NATO
Frigate Helicopter (NFH) this 11-metric-ton
class rotary-wing aircraft provides a common
platform for army, navy and air force roles,
enabling countries to rationalize their
helicopter fleets while also organizing training
and support on a larger scale, with flexible
management of personnel and equipment. Its large
cabin, rapid access and quick role-change
capability ensures mission flexibility for
multiple operational scenarios.
To date, a total of 529 NH90s have been ordered
by 14 nations, of which 418 are for the Tactical
Transport Helicopter (TTH) version. Six NH90
final assembly lines are now operational in
France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Finland and
Australia under direction of the pan-European
NHIndustries industrial organization comprising
Eurocopter (62.5%), AgustaWestland (32%) and
Fokker Aerostructures (5.5%). 136 NH90s have
been delivered to the armed forces of customer
nations and the helicopter has logged more than
31,000 flight hours, including service in
conflict zones such as Afghanistan. |
