NH90 Helicopter: Europe’s Most Versatile Military Transport

Table of Contents

A French Navy NH90

The NH90 helicopter represents a landmark in European military aviation. Initiated through international collaboration, the NH90 was envisioned as a next-generation NATO helicopter tailored for the 1990s and beyond. Its development aimed to deliver a versatile, modern, and highly capable aircraft suited for both land-based and maritime operations.

In 1985, five European countries—France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom—signed a memorandum of understanding to create a standardized NATO helicopter. However, the UK withdrew in 1987, choosing to support the EH101 project instead. The remaining four nations continued development under the NHIndustries consortium, formally established in 1992 in France. This joint venture brought together prominent aerospace companies: Eurocopter France (with Norway joining in 1994 as a risk-sharing partner), Agusta (Italy), Eurocopter Deutschland (Germany), and Fokker (Netherlands).

NH90 Helicopter Specifications

Country of Origin	France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands
Entered Service	2000
Crew	2 - 4 men
Dimensions and Weight
Length	19.56 m
Main Rotor Diameter	16.3 m
Height	5.44 m
Weight (Empty)	5.4 - 6.4 t
Max Takeoff Weight	10 t
Engines and Performance
Engines	2 x RTM 322-01/9 turboshaft engines
Engine Power	2 x 2,100 shp
Max Cruising Speed	298 km/h
Ferry Range	1,204 km
Payload
Passengers	20 troops
Payload Capacity (Internal)	2,000 kg
Payload Capacity (External)	?
Armament (NFH Variant)
Missiles	Marte Mk.2/S anti-ship missiles
Torpedoes	Homing torpedoes

Multinational Demand and Strategic Vision

The NH90 program was ambitious from the start, with initial requirements calling for:

• France: 220 helicopters
• Italy: 214 helicopters
• Germany: 272 helicopters
• Netherlands: 20 helicopters

The first flight was scheduled for 1995, paving the way for serial production and operational deployment starting in 1999.

Dual-Role Capability: NFH and TTH Variants

The NH90 was designed in two primary configurations to address different military needs:

1. NH90 NFH (NATO Frigate Helicopter)

Developed under the leadership of Agusta (now Leonardo), the NFH variant specializes in maritime missions. It is tailored for:

• Anti-submarine warfare (ASW)
• Anti-surface unit warfare (ASuW)
• Surveillance and reconnaissance
• Search and rescue (SAR)

Advanced Maritime Systems

The NFH comes equipped with a comprehensive mission suite, including:

• 360-degree search radar
• Dipping sonar for underwater threat detection
• Forward-looking infrared (FLIR)
• Magnetic anomaly detector (MAD)
• Electronic surveillance and countermeasure systems

These technologies empower naval forces with superior detection, tracking, and engagement capabilities over sea.

2. NH90 TTH (Tactical Transport Helicopter)

Under the leadership of Eurocopter Deutschland (now Airbus Helicopters), the TTH variant is designed for land-based missions. It is versatile, supporting:

• Tactical troop transport
• Casualty evacuation (CASEVAC)
• Combat search and rescue (CSAR)
• Electronic warfare
• Command and control
• VIP transport

Payload and Armament Flexibility

• Accommodates 20 fully equipped troops or a 2,000 kg light vehicle
• Compatible with area-suppression and self-defense weapon systems
• Equipped with FLIR for low-level night or adverse-weather operations
• Integrated quadruplex fly-by-wire control system for precision handling and safety

Engine Options and Export Strategy

To enhance global market competitiveness, NHIndustries offers two engine types:

• Rolls-Royce Turbomeca RTM 322
• General Electric T700-T6E1

The first NH90 prototype (PT1), assembled in France and powered by RTM 322 engines, successfully conducted its maiden flight on 18 December 1995. This marked a significant milestone in European rotary-wing aviation.

Fleet Size and Production Progress

The total demand among partner nations eventually grew to 642 helicopters, reflecting the NH90’s strategic importance. Since March 2000, more than 244 units have been delivered across Europe and beyond, highlighting the program’s scale and reach.

NH90 Sea Lion: Specialized Variant for the German Navy

One notable derivative is the NH90 Sea Lion, developed specifically for the German Navy. This version focuses on:

• Utility transport
• Search and rescue operations

Key Features of the NH90 Sea Lion

• Naval-optimized avionics and communications
• Enhanced corrosion protection for maritime environments
• Shipboard compatibility for safe takeoff and landing on moving vessels

Germany ordered 18 Sea Lion helicopters, with all units delivered by 2023, reinforcing Germany’s maritime readiness and operational flexibility.

Technological Innovations in the NH90

The NH90 incorporates cutting-edge technologies that distinguish it from legacy helicopters:

• Composite airframe for reduced radar signature and lower weight
• Full glass cockpit with multi-functional displays
• Fly-by-wire flight control system for reduced pilot workload and improved maneuverability
• Crashworthy seats and fuel systems to enhance survivability

These innovations contribute to superior mission performance, increased reliability, and enhanced crew safety in high-stress environments.

Conclusion: A Cornerstone of European Defense Cooperation

The NH90 helicopter program exemplifies the power of multinational defense collaboration. Its development unified diverse European aerospace industries under a common goal—delivering a next-generation helicopter to meet a wide range of military demands.

With its modular design, mission-specific configurations, and advanced avionics, the NH90 continues to serve as a reliable and versatile asset in both land and naval operations. As of today, its widespread adoption and continuous upgrades reflect its success as one of the most capable and future-ready multirole helicopters in NATO’s arsenal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the NH90 helicopter used for?

The NH90 is a multi-role military helicopter used for troop transport, search and rescue (SAR), medical evacuation, and anti-submarine warfare (ASW).

Who manufactures the NH90 helicopter?

The NH90 is developed and produced by NHIndustries, a consortium consisting of Airbus Helicopters, Leonardo, and Fokker Aerostructures.

How many NH90 variants are there?

There are two main variants: the TTH (Tactical Transport Helicopter) and the NFH (NATO Frigate Helicopter), each optimized for different missions.

Which countries use the NH90?

Over 14 countries operate the NH90, including Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Australia, Norway, and New Zealand.

What are some key features of the NH90?

Composite airframe, fly-by-wire controls, high-speed capabilities, modular mission systems, and reduced radar signature.

Is the NH90 suitable for naval operations?

Yes, the NFH variant is designed specifically for naval use, including ASW, ASuW, and shipboard deployment with folding rotors and corrosion protection.