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Qualification of the First Variant

NH90 – On 31 March, NAHEMA officially qualified the TGEA (TTH German Army) variant of the NH90.

The flight tests for the qualification were predominantly performed on the NH90 prototypes nos. 3, 4 and 5. Certain customization aspects, however, require qualification on the production aircraft.

The qualification of the TGEA variant of the NH90 rounds off several years of work during which each contractual requirement (thousands in all) were checked and substantiated. The TGEA is the first variant of the TTH (Tactical Transport Helicopter) version for the German army. This program phase was managed by NAHEMA, the NATO agency that represents the French, German, Italian, Dutch, and Portuguese governments – the partners for the NH90 program. This agency ensures the qualification of variants for its customers, and also supports the export qualification activities.

The substantiation required for each qualification is provided, according to the industrial breakdown, by Eurocopter, Agusta, and Stork Fokker grouped together under the umbrella of NH Industries. Eurocopter is in charge of the aircraft for Germany, France, Australia, Greece, Finland, Sweden, and the Sultanate of Oman. The qualification of the TGEA variant constitutes a major step as it will be used as the benchmark for the common core, and for qualifying the differences of the other NH90 variants. Each variant has its own specific features, such as the radio-communication system, and optional equipment like the hoist, de-icing kit, sand filters, etc.

The qualification of the TGEA variant therefore marks a decisive step towards the NH90’s entry into service within the armed forces, and the future qualifications. This year will see the start of the qualification of the other TTH variants for Greece, Finland, the Sultanate of Oman, Australia, Germany, Italy, and for export purposes; and the NFH (NATO Frigate Helicopter) naval versions for France, Italy, the Netherlands, and Norway. The first delivery is scheduled for this summer.

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Maiden flight for the first french NH90

On 12 May 2006, the first French Army NH90 in its NFH (NATO Frigate Helicopter) version successfully performed its maiden flight in Marignane. This one hour ten minute flight was performed by a Eurocopter test crew made up of Philippe Boutry (pilot), Jean-Claude Rabany (flight test technician), and Philippe Bagur (flight test engineer).