20-Jun-2013 Source: NH Industries
NHI celebrated today the first operational deployment of a NH90 helicopter overseas. This event took place on the NHI static area, where the NH90 TTH of the Italian Army, operated by “7° Vega unit is displayed, at the presence of General Calligaris commanding the Italian Army Aviation.
“We are pleased to welcome General Calligaris at this 50th edition of the Paris Air Show, We are impressed by the way the Italian Army operates the NH90 in the most demanding conditions overseas. We remain commited to support the Italian Army in its day to day work in order to make sure the NH90 gives its end users top level performance”, declared Luigi Cereti NHIndustries Managing Director.
During this ceremony General Calligaris explained that the NH90 helicopter, deployed by Italian Army in Afghanistan is a wonderful platform for tactical transport operations which performs beyond standards.
The NH90 is the optimal choice for modern operations thanks to its large full composite airframe, its excellent power to weight ratio; and its wide range of rôle equipment. It features a redundant Fly-by-Wire flight control system for reduced Pilot’s workload and enhanced flight characteristics.
The NH90 is proposed in two main variants, one dedicated to naval operations, the NH90NFH (Nato Frigate Helicopter) and a Tactical Transport Variant for land based operations. As of today, around 150 helicopters have been delivered in Naval and Tactical transport variants. They are in service in Germany, France, Italy, The Netherlands, Sweden, Finland, Norway, Greece, Oman, Australia and New Zealand.
The twin-engine, medium-size NH90 helicopter program is managed by the consortium NHIndustries, the Company owned by AgustaWestland SpA (32%), Eurocopter (62.5%), and Stork Fokker (5.5%).