NHIndustries NH90 NFH

The NH90 was formerly a product of the NH Industries conglomerate, which is now part of Airbus Helicopters. This multi-role machine is available in two main versions, the TTH (Tactical Transport Helicopter) and NFH (NATO Frigate Helicopter).  Developed as a partnership between France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and later Portugal, the first NH90 prototype flew in 1995 and the type entered service in 2007. Currently 13 nations operate an NH90 variant and production is shared between the conglomerate nations with final assembly lines in France, Italy, Germany and Finland. 

The Netherlands was one of the original nations to back the NH90 project and were the first nation to order the NFH version which are flown by the Air Force on behalf of the Navy. The RNASF NH90 NFH fleet can be deployed on board Destroyers or used as troop transports in addition to being used for anti-submarine warfare. The entire NFH fleet is based at De Kooy. 

860 Squadron will once again be sending one of their NH90s for static display at this year’s Air Tattoo.

Photo Credit: Stuart Freer