The NH90 in flight test

On 19 January 2009 the first four officers of the helicopter airlift squadron of the Air Transport Group 62 (LTGrp LTG 62) Holzdorf, began their flight training at the Army Aviation School (HFlgWaS) in Bückeburg.

After a three weeks of theory, they began flight training in the simulator. The simulator tested them in the basic processes of take off, landing, emergency procedures and traffic patterns as well as their first tactical procedures.

Even then, the very complexity of the NH90 was visible. Although only the restricted versions of the NH90 + IOC and IOC (Initial Operational Capability) are available, the aircraft is - as expected - a tremendous technological advance over the type it will replace, Bell UH-1D.

The NH90 is very agile despite its size and can fly up to 175 knots, 55 knots faster than the predecessor. A digitized cockpit with five monitors mean the analog instruments of UH-1D are quickly forgotten. The quadruple redundant fly-by-wire system allows the autopilot to fly a route and then hover without manual intervention by the pilot. The aircraft features weather radar, FLIR and a defensive system with radar-warning devices and decoys expand the range of applications over the UH-1D significantly.

After about 45 hours in the simulator, the four trainees could begin the real flying in April 2009. The procedures learnt in the simulator could be implemented immediately and they were flying the machine without problems from the outset.

In September 2009, the first stage of training days with authorization VFR (visual flight day was finished).

The version NH90 + IOC must complete an operational test program before it receives a permit for use. It is in this phase, the weapon system is checked under operational conditions, and the performance of individual components of the NH90 are tested and where appropriate, new flying procedures are developed.

With flight operations at Holzdorf scheduled from October 2010, the Luftwaffe-specific part of the operational test will be continued. In addition, preparations are already being taken to begin the training operations for the Air Force crews.

For the effective support, education and training, new training systems have been developed. In addition to CAI (Computer Assisted Instruction) there is also the PTT (Part Task Trainer), EUA (Operations Support System) and the aforementioned FFS (Full Flight Simulator) available. This will allow the cost-effective practice of procedures and missions preparation.

The full operational capability is achieved only with delivery of the NH90 FOC (Full Operational Capability) but this is only possible after the completion of operational test and / or after implementation of user requirements.

Source: Luftwaffe