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German Navy NH90 Sea Tiger performs maiden flight
November 30, 2023 By Helicopters Staff
Photo Credit: Airbus The first Airbus NH90 Sea Tiger helicopter took off on-schedule for its maiden flight, at Airbus Helicopters’ site in Donauwörth, Germany.
In a Nov. 30 news release, Airbus officials said the German Bundeswehr armed forces ordered 31 NH90 Sea Tiger multi-role frigate helicopters for the German Navy’s shipborne operations in 2020.
Airbus Helicopters is now entering a qualification phase that will focus on flight testing the helicopter and new systems to be installed on board the NH90 Sea Tiger.
Deliveries are scheduled to begin at the end of 2025, Airbus said.
The helicopters will replace the German Navy’s Mk88A Sea Lynx fleet, which entered into service in 1981. The Bundeswehr already operates 18 NH90 Sea Lion naval transport helicopters which were delivered between 2019 and 2023.
The Sea Tiger is the latest version of Airbus’ NH90 NFH (Naval Version), and Airbus said it has been specifically designed to match the needs of the German Navy for a state-of-the-art anti-submarine warfare helicopter.
“Novelties include a new electro-optical system and improved electronic support measures (ESM),” Airbus said. “On top, the Sea Tiger is equipped with a dipping sonar, sonobuoys, and weapons (torpedoes and missiles).”
In addition to reconnaissance and transport, the shipborne Sea Tigers’ missions include engaging targets above and below the surface, Airbus said.
