NH90
NHIndustries · France / Germany / Italy / Netherlands · first flew 1995 · helicopter
The NHIndustries NH90 is a European medium helicopter built around a composite airframe and fly-by-wire controls, recognised by its canted swept tail fin and rear ramp.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, rotary |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × turboshaft, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Rear loading ramp on a boxy fuselage in the transport variant |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Four-blade main and tail rotors with a tall canted swept tail fin
- Rear loading ramp on a boxy fuselage in the transport variant
- Side sponsons housing retractable tricycle landing gear
The boxy ramp-equipped cabin and the distinctively canted swept tail fin set it apart, and the naval version adds a chin radome and folding tail.
Specifications
- The NH90 has a length of 16.13 m (53 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 16.3 m (53 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 300 km/h (186 mph).
- Typical crew: 2 pilots.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Arising from a 1980s NATO common-helicopter requirement, the NH90 first flew in December 1995 as one of the first helicopters with a fully digital fly-by-wire flight control system. It entered service in 2007.
Variants
The TTH tactical transport carries troops through a rear ramp, while the NFH naval variant adds chin radar, sonar and folding rotor and tail for shipboard ASW work.
Where you'll see it
It is flown widely across NATO nations but has drawn criticism for low readiness, with Australia and Norway withdrawing their fleets. It is not in UK frontline service; the UK left the consortium in 1987 and operates Merlin and Wildcat instead.
Related aircraft
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