Is NH-90 Helicopter best for Military?

The NH90 is a medium-sized, twin-engine, multirole military helicopter that was first conceived in 1985 but has been plagued for over ten years by financial and technical issues. The NATO staff needed a multi-role, medium-sized military helicopter for both land and sea operations, and the NH90 was created to meet that need.

 

Design

As per Flight International, the NH90 holds the unique distinction of being the world's first helicopter to be developed in compliance with NATO specifications. As a result, the NH90's design complies with a number of national and international standards, such as those pertaining to military airworthiness procedures in Germany, France, Italy, and the Netherlands; compliance with FAR 29 and MIL-STDS design standards; and DEF-STN 00-970 icing conditions performance and electro-magnetic compatibility.The NATO Frigate Helicopter (NFH) and the wartime Tactical Transport Helicopter (TTH) are the two main versions that are manufactured.

 

Specifications

Engine and Gearbox

The NH90, a twin-engine, multi-mission helicopter designed by Leonardo Helicopters, Airbus Helicopters, and Fokker under the NHIndustries joint venture, is the most advanced and adaptable helicopter in its class.The NH90 has three gearboxes, including the Main Gearbox (MGB), Intermediate Gearbox (IGB), and Tail Rotor Gearbox (TGB).

 

Performance

The NH 90 can carry a maximum of 10,600 kg during takeoff. With internal fuel, the helicopter can go 780 kilometres at a maximum speed of 300 km/h. With internal fuel, it has a 4.45-hour maximum flying time.

 

Features

The innovative composite airframe of the NH90 is engineered to achieve several benefits, including reduced weight, increased endurance by thirty percent, superior crashworthiness, and ballistic tolerance. Composite materials are also used to increase the fatigue strength and longevity of the four primary rotor blades, as well as their resistance to damage. Large sliding doors on either side of the fuselage or a rear ramp can be used to access the unencumbered main cabin area.

 

Safety

The sophisticated self-defence equipment on the helicopter consists of missile launch detection systems, chaff/flare dispensers, and radar and laser warning receivers.

• Survivability: Fly-by-wire controls, with their four distinct analogue and digital channels, offer a significant advantage in terms of survivability in the event that small arms fire is directed against the NH90. There is armour protection for the crew and the troops, and all systems and subsystems are redundant and separated.

 

Variants

The two primary NH90 variants are the navalized NATO Frigate Helicopter (NFH) and the Tactical Transport Helicopter (TTH) for army use. Each customer typically customises and alters their own NH90 fleets with different weapons, sensors, and cabin layouts to meet their unique needs. 

 

Price

A French Senate study states that the unit price of the NH90 is Rs. 70.86 crore.