NHIndustries NH90 TTH

The NH90 was formerly a product of the NHIndustries conglomerate, which is now part of Airbus Helicopters. This multi-role machine is available in two main versions, the TTH (Tactical Transport Helicopter) and NFH (NATO Frigate Helicopter). Developed as a partnership between France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and later Portugal, the first NH90 prototype flew in 1995 and the fifth final prototype flew in 1999 before the type eventually entered service in 2007. Currently, 12 nations operate an NH90 variant and production is shared between the conglomerate nations with final assembly lines in France, Italy, Germany and Finland.

The German Army were the first NH90 customer to receive their aircraft with deliveries beginning in 2006 and has ordered 82 NH90 TTH in total to replace the UH-1D with an option to acquire a further 22 examples. The TTH variant is used by the German Army as a troop transport being able to carry up to 20 fully equipped troops. The German Navy also operates two versions of the NH90 based on the NFH called the Sea Lion and Sea Tiger. Germany produces approximately 31% of the components of every NH90 produced globally.

Following their popular RIAT appearances in recent years, the German Army are once again sending a pair of NH90s to RIAT25 to appear in both the flying and static display. Both helicopters will be provided by the Tactical Helicopter Regiment 10 (TrspHubschrRgt 10) based at Faßberg. During RIAT23 the NH90 display team won the MOOG Trophy as the overall winner of the Crew Challenge.

For more information about the NH90 in the German Army service, you can visit their website at NATO-Helicopter 90

Photo Credit: Eric-Coeckleberghs