NH90 helicopter Block 1 upgrade launched
The planned upgrade will attempt to keep NH90s relevant for the next 15 years. (Photo: Airbus)
Developed as a multinational programme, the European NH90 was designed to meet NATO requirements for multirole capability from a common helicopter.
A €600-million (US$641-million) upgrade of Belgian, German, Dutch and Italian NH90s helicopters has been given the go ahead with the signing of a contact between NH Industries (NHI) and the NATO Helicopter Management Agency (NAHEMA), the latter acting for the countries.
The contract launches the development and qualification of the NH90 Block 1 upgrade (also known as Software Release 3) and constitutes a major upgrade in terms of capabilities for both the TTH (transport) and NFH (naval) variants of the NH90 combat helicopter.
The first phase includes an upgrade of the NH90 communication suite and the integration of Data Link 22 allowing beyond line-of-sight and IFF Mod 5 Level 2 (the latest version of the device used to identify and track military aircraft) will also be integrated.
Related Articles
Indra to help develop third NH90 sim for Spain
Italian Navy receives final NH90 helicopter
German airmobile forces to get new NH90 helicopter crew trainer
Other upgrades will be available to the operators and include the integration of a new generation electro optical system, a new dipping sonar and the integration of the MK 54 torpedo and the Marte ER anti-ship missile. The NH90 Block 1 will be able to navigate with a civil grade global navigation satellite system (GNSS) and flight management system.
The second phase of the programme is being finalised but will consist of the deployment of the Block 1 configuration improvements on approximately 200 NH90s, both NFH and TTH, in total.
Axel Aloccio, president of NHI and head of NH90 programme at Airbus Helicopters, said the upgrade would help the platform meet future demands.
“We have a clear plan to extend the life span of the NH90 up to 50 years and the Block 1 programme will cover the next 10 to fifteen years,” Aloccio said. “Beyond that horizon, we are also planning the Block 2 upgrade that will define the future evolutions of the platform.”
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![UK, Japan and Italy discuss potential to bring other countries into GCAP programme]()
UK, Japan and Italy discuss potential to bring other countries into GCAP programme
At the G20 summit in Brazil, the three countries reaffirmed their commitment to the trilateral Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), with a nod given to potentially widening the participation out to other countries.
-
![US Air Force A-10s to exit South Korea in favour of fourth- and fifth-gen fighter jets]()
US Air Force A-10s to exit South Korea in favour of fourth- and fifth-gen fighter jets
The US Air Force will transition away from its ageing A-10 aircraft in 2025, in favour of updating and enhancing its F-16, and introducing F-15EX and F-35 Lightning II jets in the region.
-
![Typhoon remains “at heart of UK defence” despite claims production has stopped]()
Typhoon remains “at heart of UK defence” despite claims production has stopped
BAE Systems Air business has reaffirmed its commitment to the Typhoon programme as union representatives from the company urge the UK government to order 24 Typhoon jets.
-
![US Air Force aiming to have CCA operational by end of the decade]()
US Air Force aiming to have CCA operational by end of the decade
By making “tough choices”, the US Air Force’s CCA programme has continued to move forward with Increment 2 on the horizon.
