Helicopters a 'quantum leap' for New Zealand
NH90 helicopters will be a quantum leap forward for the Royal New Zealand Air Force when they start entering service next year, says Defence Minister Wayne Mapp.
Dr Mapp has just visited the NH90 assembly plant in Marignane in the south of France on his way to the NATO/ISAF Defence Ministers meeting in Brussels. During the visit he flew in a representative production NH90, and inspected New Zealand machines on the production line.
"The capabilities of this machine will be immense in comparison with our current Iroquois. Its speed, power and overall performance are in a different league. Particularly impressive is the sophistication of the flight systems," the Minister said.
"The troops down the back will notice a big difference as well. This is the smoothest riding helicopter I have ever flown in. The ramp and big doors will make loading and unloading passengers and freight quick and easy."
Dr Mapp discussed the development programme at length with NHI officials.
"I am very confident that we will be able to access the full performance spectrum when we take delivery. Over 500 NH90 helicopters have been ordered by 15 different countries. Forty-seven have now been delivered, and user feedback is being incorporated into machines on the production line. We will be getting a proven machine at the leading edge of military helicopter technology.
"Having now seen for myself, I am confident that NHI is settling the minor issues that have arisen as the helicopter comes into service elsewhere. There have also been some engine issues, but this engine is in widespread use on a number of helicopters and the manufacturer expects to resolve the present problems shortly," he said.
Source: New Zealand Government
More from Defence Helicopter
-
![Germany to send WS-61 Westland Sea King helicopters to Ukraine]()
Germany to send WS-61 Westland Sea King helicopters to Ukraine
Germany has committed to sending Ukraine six of its 21 retiring WS-61 Westland Sea King multirole, amphibious helicopters.
-
![Boeing secures $271 million to advance modernisation of US Special Operations' MH-47G Chinook]()
Boeing secures $271 million to advance modernisation of US Special Operations' MH-47G Chinook
Boeing has clinched a major contract modification to further its backing of the US Special Operations Command’s MH-47G Chinook aircraft modernisation effort.
-
![Dubai Airshow 2023: South Korean homegrown helicopters make international debut]()
Dubai Airshow 2023: South Korean homegrown helicopters make international debut
Two KAI helicopters, the KUH-1E utility helicopter and the Light Attack Helicopter (LAH), have taken centre stage at the Dubai Airshow 2023.
-
![Italian Navy receives final NH90 helicopter]()
Italian Navy receives final NH90 helicopter
The Italian Navy now boasts a fleet of 56 NH90 helicopters comprising 46 SH-90As and 10 MH-90As.
-
![Argentina seeks AW109 and CH-46 Sea Knight helicopters]()
Argentina seeks AW109 and CH-46 Sea Knight helicopters
The Argentinian Air Force (FAA) and the Argentinian Naval Aviation Command (COAN) are looking for options to upgrade their helicopter fleets.
-
![DSEI 2023: Lockheed to produce about 40% of Black Hawks on UK soil if it wins NMH contest]()
DSEI 2023: Lockheed to produce about 40% of Black Hawks on UK soil if it wins NMH contest
Lockheed Martin promises a boost to the British job market and export opportunities, while strengthening ties with Poland and positioning the UK for a future in rotorcraft technology in the event of a New Medium Helicopter competition triumph.
