NH90 Sea Tiger helicopter successfully completes flight tests first delivery expected in 2025.

According to information published by Airbus on November 8, 2024, the NH90 Sea Tiger, an advanced maritime helicopter designed for modern naval operations, has successfully completed an extensive flight test campaign. Over the past 11 months, the helicopter logged more than 140 flight hours, affirming its performance, operational capabilities, and readiness for deployment.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

The NH90 Sea Tiger concludes 140 flight hours of testing, with its first delivery scheduled for 2025. (Picture source: Airbus)

The testing phase evaluated the Sea Tiger’s ability to conduct diverse naval missions, including anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-surface warfare (ASuW), and maritime surveillance. The campaign also focused on the integration of advanced mission systems, such as dipping sonars, radar systems, missile payloads, and torpedoes, ensuring seamless performance in complex operational scenarios.

The NH90 Sea Tiger is the latest naval variant of the NH90 helicopter, developed to meet the German Navy's requirements for advanced anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and anti-surface warfare (ASuW) capabilities. This helicopter is designed to operate from frigates and other naval vessels.

In November 2020, the German government approved the procurement of 31 NH90 Sea Tiger helicopters to replace the aging Sea Lynx Mk88A fleet. The contract, valued at approximately €2.7 billion, includes spares, accessories, and training materials. The Sea Tiger is based on the proven NH90 NFH (NATO Frigate Helicopter) platform and incorporates several enhancements to meet the specific needs of the German Navy.

The NH90 is a medium-sized, twin-engine, multi-role military helicopter developed to meet NATO's requirements for a versatile and modern rotorcraft. It is produced by NHIndustries, a consortium of Airbus Helicopters, Leonardo Helicopters, and Fokker Aerostructures. Designed for both land and maritime operations, the NH90 comes in two main variants: the Tactical Transport Helicopter (TTH), tailored for army missions such as troop and equipment transport, medical evacuation, and utility tasks, and the NATO Frigate Helicopter (NFH), optimized for naval applications including anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare, search and rescue, and maritime surveillance.

A defining feature of the NH90 is its fully fly-by-wire flight control system, the first of its kind in a production helicopter. This technology enhances flight stability and reduces pilot workload. The airframe is constructed with extensive use of composite materials, resulting in a lighter and more durable structure with a reduced radar signature. Its spacious cabin accommodates up to 20 fully equipped soldiers or 12 stretchers for medical evacuation.

Since entering service in 2007, the NH90 has been adopted by numerous countries, including Belgium, Germany, France, Italy, and the Netherlands. By early 2023, over 500 units had been delivered, accumulating more than 400,000 flight hours. Despite its advanced design, the program has faced challenges, including technical issues and concerns over maintenance and operational costs. In response, NHIndustries has implemented upgrade programs to enhance the helicopter’s performance and reliability. A recent €600 million contract with the NATO Helicopter Management Agency underscores ongoing efforts to modernize the NH90 and extend its operational lifespan.