Warszawa 2023-04-03
NATO helicopter – NH Industries NH90.
The NHIndustries NH90 is a medium-sized, twin-engine, multi-role military helicopter. It was developed in response to NATO requirements for a combat helicopter that would also be capable of operating in naval aviation. The NH90 was developed and manufactured by NHIndustries, a company owned by Airbus Helicopters, Leonardo (formerly AgustaWestland) and Fokker Aerostructures. The first prototype made its maiden flight on December 18, 1995. The helicopter was put into service in 2007. Currently (2023) the helicopter is still in production. The helicopter entered service in 13 countries.
The NH90 is the first production helicopter to feature a fly-by-wire flight control system. The helicopter is produced in two main variants; for tactical operation over land and for naval operations. Each user has their own different armaments, sensors and cabin layouts to meet their own specific requirements.
Development of the NH90 design.
In 1985, France, West Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom joined forces to develop a battlefield and naval transport helicopter. The helicopter was expected to enter service in the 90s, therefore the designation NH90. In 1987, the UK withdrew from the scheme. Only on September 1, 1992, an agreement was signed to start the program under the agency of NAHEMA (NATO Helicopter Management Agency). This agency represented the four participating countries: France, West Germany, Italy and the Netherlands. Portugal joined the agency in June 2001. Design work began only in 1993. The prototype made its first flight on December 18, 1995. The program had technical and financial problems. Initially, 366 helicopters were ordered. Orders from other customers in Europe, Asia and Australia followed. By April 2013, a total of 529 NH90s had been ordered by all customers.
The drive unit consists of two General Electric CT7-8E turbine engines, 2 x 1,845 kW (2 x 2,474 HP) or two Rolls-Royce Turbomeca RTM322-1/9 engines, 2 x 1,802 kW (2 x 2 417 hp).
Data T-T NH90:
Crew of 2-3 airmen. The cargo hold holds 20 armed soldiers or 12 wounded on stretchers or a load of 4,200 kg (9,259 lb). Length 16.13 m (52 ft 11 in). Height 5.30 m. Curb weight 6,400 kg (14,110 lb). Max takeoff weight 10,600 kg (23,369 lb). Main rotor diameter 16.3 m (53 ft 6 in). Main rotor area 208.699 m2 (2246.42 sq ft). Maximum speed 300 km/h (190 mph, 160 kn). Range 800 km (500 mi, 430 nmi). Ceiling 6,000 m (20,000 ft). Climb rate: 8 m/s (1,600 ft/min).
Written by Karol Placha Hetman