Belgian NH90 Nato Frigate Helicopter takes flight
The first naval variant NH90 ordered by the Belgian armed forces completed its first flight on 5 April at Eurocopter facility Donauwörth in Germany. NHIndustries (NHI) announced that the 45 minute flight saw the crew successfully test the basic systems of the new generation aircraft.
The coming weeks will see the aircraft undergo test flights to check the aircraft behaviour and its mission system with industry and customer crews.
Belgium has ordered eight NH90s - four Tactical Transport Helicopters for tactical transport operations and four Nato Frigate Helicopters, which are being delivered in full operational capability standard known as ‘Step B’. The aircraft are being acquired to replace the Belgian armed force’s ageing Sea King helicopter fleet.
Xavier Poupardin, delegated managing director of NHI, said: ‘This first flight is an important milestone for NHI because we know that the Belgian Air Component has an urgent need to replace its ageing Sea King Helicopters.'
The NH90 NFH is an of 11 ton class helicopter designed to perform across the spectrum of naval operations, including search and rescue at sea, anti -piracy missions and transport missions in all environments by day and night.
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