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Qatar takes delivery of first two NH90 NFH naval helicopters
April 7, 2022 By Helicopters Staff
Qatar’s NH90 programme includes 16 NH90 TTHs for land operations, 12 NH90 NFHs for naval missions. (Photo: A. Pecchi, NHIndustries, Leonardo)
The Qatar Emiri Air Force’s NH90 program reached another milestone on March 31 with the delivery of its first two NFH naval variant helicopters. The aircraft handover, achieved in accordance with contractual commitments, was performed during an official ceremony held at Leonardo’s Venice Tessera NH90 final assembly line in Italy in the presence of Qatar Emiri Air Force, Leonardo and NHI representatives.
NHIndustries is described as the largest rotorcraft Joint Venture in European history and it is responsible for the design, manufacture and support of the NH90 military helicopter. The company is owned by Airbus Helicopters (62.5 per cent), Leonardo (32 per cent) and GKN Fokker (5.5 per cent).
This event follows the delivery of the first TTH aircraft for land operations from Airbus Helicopters’ facility in Marignane, France, in December 2021, while the second TTH was handed over more recently. The first NFH naval helicopter had its public premiere in Qatar on December 18 2021 during National Day.
Qatar’s NH90 program includes 16 NH90 TTHs for land operations and 12 NH90 NFHs for naval missions, as well as a support, maintenance and training services package and associated infrastructure. The Qatar Emiri Air Force is one of the few NH90 End Users to operate both the TTH and NFH versions of the NH90 for a number of land operations and naval missions.
Leonardo explains the program has the potential to be extended in the future with the addition of 6 + 6 units in a mixture of TTH and NFH variants. Leonardo is prime contractor for the overall program and is also responsible for the final assembly and delivery of the 12 NH90 NFH helicopters from its Venice Tessera facility. The company is also supplying simulators, training aids and an extensive maintenance support and training services package for aircrews and maintenance technicians.
Leonardo is providing, contributing to or supporting the integration of various avionics and sensor payloads, including the Leonardo LEOSS-T HD electro-optical system, HD Mission Video Recorder, Automatic Identification System, Tactical video link and Full HD display for cabin consoles. Airbus Helicopters is responsible for carrying out the final assembly of the 16 NH90 TTH aircraft. Deliveries will continue through to 2025.
