Today, Airbus Helicopters delivered the first Swedish NH90 in full anti-submarine
warfare (ASW) configuration to the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration
FMV (Försvarets Materielverk). The fully-qualified rotorcraft has
an entirely customized mission system including underwater sonar, tactical
radar and high cabin for improved interior space. |
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In
terms of versatility and customisability, the Swedish NH90 ASW demonstrates
the benefits of an integrated, highly powerful, fly-by-wire helicopter
platform”, said Wolfgang Schoder, Head of Light and Governmental
Programmes at Airbus Helicopters. “Specially tailored for its
maritime missions and the operative environment in the Baltic Sea, this
helicopter is best-suited for the customer’s requirements.”
In total, Sweden has ordered 18 NH90, 13 equipped for search-and-rescue
missions (SAR) and five in ASW configuration. In the frame of today’s
delivery, FMV and the manufacturer NHIndustries have also signed a contract
to modify four already delivered NH90 from SAR to ASW configuration,
bringing the total Swedish NH90 fleet to nine ASW and nine SAR aircraft.
Prior to delivery, the aircraft has been thoroughly tested by the Swedish
acceptance team in Donauwörth and over water in Marignane.
Several military services around the globe are already operating the
NH90 in search & rescue, tactical transport, ASW or surveillance
missions over sea. “With 260 NH90s already delivered to 13 different
nations and nearly 100,000 flying hours in operation, this combat-proven
helicopter is now confirming its worth at the hands of the most demanding
customers around the globe.” said Schoder.
Management of the NH90 program is handled by the NHIndustries consortium,
which is owned by Airbus Helicopters (62.5%), AgustaWestland (32%),
and Stork Fokker (5.5%).
Update: Contacted by Navy Recognition, Airbus Helicopters explained
that the Swedish NH90 ASW are different relative to the NFH (Nato Frigate
Helicopter) variant usually procured for maritime taks. The NH90 in
ASW variant for Sweden is technically a TTH (Tactical Tranport Helicopter)
High Cabin Version (HCV) fitted with anti-submarine warfare equipment.
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Swedish Air
Force NH90 ASW deploying a dipping sonar. The ASW variant is a specialized
naval helicopter with underwater sonar system, tactical radar and high
cabin. Picture: Airbus Helicopters