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2020-11-12

France to Fetch Upgraded NH90 TTH for Army

NH Industries and its partner Companies (Airbus Helicopters, Leonardo and Fokker), have signed a contract with the NATO Helicopter Management Agency (NAHEMA) for the development of an upgraded version of the NH90 Tactical Troop Helicopter (TTH) for the French Special Forces, known as TFRA Standard 2.

As per the deal, the final batch of 10 NH90s already ordered by the French Ministry of Armed Forces, through the Armament General Directorate (DGA), will be delivered directly with the proposed alterations early 2025.

The modifications will provide a significant increase in the helicopter’s mission capability and help position the NH90 as one of the most advanced tactical troop carriers, particularly in challenging conditions such as sand, snow or fog.

The new TFRA Standard 2 configuration will include a new-generation Electro-Optical System (EOS) EuroFLIR from Safran with displays and controls for the entire crew including pilots, commandos, gunners and load masters.

The sensors will provide outputs to undertake updated mission planning on connected screens or tablets right up to the moment of egress.

As well as enhanced cockpit, the cabin will be modified with a new quickly removable leaf doors system and fast-rope beam, providing extra capabilities through the rear of the aircraft with protective fire from the side-mounted machine guns.

New generation digital 3D map, folding boarding steps and additional ceiling-mounted rope anchor points will be extra features, complementing the existing equipment such as the M3M machine guns and external fuel tanks.

Additionally, a Distributed Aperture System (DAS) composed of fixed infrared cameras displaying 3D vision in a new generation Helmet Mounted Sight Digital Display will be incorporated, giving an unprecedented level of support to the pilot at times of low visibility. This will also vastly enhance the helicopter’s capability during challenging environmental conditions.

“This opportunity brings transformative digital technologies to the NH90 which will make it even more capable in precisely the kind of challenging conditions that can be faced today by Special Forces,“ stated Nathalie Tarnaud-Laude, Head of NH90 programme at Airbus Helicopters and President of NH Industries. “We look forward to seeing it in service with the French Army and to offering it to other NH90 customers.”

NATO’s Requirement

The NH90 was designed to meet the stringent NATO standards for a modern medium-sized multi-role military helicopter for both land and maritime operations.

The core vehicle for the Tactical Troop Transport and the NATO Frigate Helicopter (NFH) versions is a twin-engine aircraft with innovative features such as including advanced mission flight aid and fly-by-wire control system with 4-axis autopilot and on-board monitoring and diagnostics systems.

The advantage is that the NH90’s composite fuselage has fewer parts and lower structural weight, resulting in 30 per cent more endurance compared to a metallic fuselage, plus increased resistance to battle damage, among other benefits. The rotor blades have greater fatigue strength, damage tolerance and component lifetime, as well as improved aerodynamic performance.

It is small enough to fit in the hangar of a NATO frigate, but with a cabin volume to accommodate 20 fully-equipped troops or a maritime mission system.

Its wide modular cabin, large sliding doors and a rear ramp make it the most accessible military helicopter.

The NH90 features the lowest radar signature thanks to its diamond-shaped, full composite airframe. The infrared suppressor devices and vertical engine air intakes help lower its acoustic and infrared signatures.

The combat-proven helicopter’s self-protection suite is composed of laser and radar warning receivers, a missile launch detection system and chaff/flare dispensers.

The redundancy of fly-by-wire controls (four segregated analogue / digital channels) increases survivability if engaged by small arms fire.

The crashworthy composite structure, which prevents heavy components from breaching the cabin, and effective floatation gear guarantee high level of crew survivability.

The NH90’s integrated avionics suite and glass cockpit facilitates intuitive interaction with helicopter systems, communications suite, flight, navigation and mission aids.

The speed, accuracy and quantity of data that can be processed and displayed on configurable screens are enhanced by highly integrated workstations and the use of data fusion.

This is important for effective autonomous and joint operations in land and maritime environments.

Workload Reduction

Pilot workload is drastically reduced through the use of an optimised human-machine interface, permitting the NH90 NFH to fly naval warfare missions day and night with a crew of one pilot, one tactical coordinator in the cockpit, and one sensor operator at the cabin workstation. A configuration with two pilots and two tactical operators in the cabin is also possible.

Reference Text/Photo: www.airbus.com

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