Defense - New naval combat helicopter takes off for the first time
Three years after the German parliament's decision to purchase new naval combat helicopters, the first aircraft completed its maiden flight on Thursday. The NH90 Sea Tiger took off from the Airbus Helicopters plant in Donauwörth, Swabia. Airbus Helicopters is now beginning a qualification phase with the new model, explained a company spokesperson. "During this phase, the helicopter and the systems installed on board the NH90 Sea Tiger will be tested."
At the end of 2020, the Bundestag Budget Committee approved around 2.7 billion euros for 31 helicopters plus accessories. The aircraft are to be used by the German Armed Forces from the end of 2025 and will replace the Sea Lynx Mk88A aircraft from the 1980s.
The Airbus plant north of Augsburg has also been supplying the NH90 Sea Lion naval helicopter to the Bundeswehr since 2019. The two models are closely related. The simultaneous operation of the Sea Lion and Sea Tiger types will enable the navy to rationalize operations and maintenance, explained the head of Airbus Helicopters in Germany, Stefan Thomé.
However, there was a glitch after delivery of the Sea Lion helicopters began. The German Armed Forces had temporarily grounded the first machine because, according to the Ministry of Defense, there were errors in the technical documentation.
The Sea Tiger, which is intended as an on-board helicopter for frigates, is equipped with special equipment to be ready for combat missions above and below water. "Armed with torpedoes or guided missiles, the on-board helicopters will be used both for anti-submarine and anti-ship missions," the ministry explained.
The NH90 (Nato Helicopter 90) is being built by the joint venture NHIndustries. Airbus is the largest shareholder, other helicopter manufacturers involved are Leonardo and GKN Fokker. According to Airbus, this is the largest helicopter joint venture in Europe. More than 500 NH90 aircraft are in service worldwide.
Ministry of Defense announcement on the order
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- The first naval combat helicopter, a NH90 Sea Tiger, hailing from Airbus Helicopters' facility in Donauwörth, Bavaria, underwent its inaugural flight recently.
- The German federal parliament, or Bundestag, made a significant decision in 2020, approving around 2.7 billion euros for the acquisition of 31 helicopters, including the NH90 Sea Tiger, aimed for the German Armed Forces' use from 2025.
- In addition to the Airbus plant in Donauwörth, the German Armed Forces have been utilizing NH90 Sea Lion naval helicopters from the facility north of Augsburg since 2019.
- Regarding the NH90 Sea Lion helicopters, there was a momentary issue after delivery, stemming from technical documentation errors, leading to the German Armed Forces temporarily grounding the first aircraft.
- The Sea Tiger, destined for frigate on-board use, is a combat-ready NH90 variant, armed with torpedoes or guided missiles, serving both anti-submarine and anti-ship missions, as dictated by Germany's federal armed forces.
Source: www.stern.de
