appalling standards. You wouldnt tolerate it with a car, or a tank or a naval ship, why should you tolerate it with a helicopter?
 
That Belgium want get rid of five NH-90 has three reason;

One Politic: there no right concept how to use them, was Political buy, Military wanted something better...
Two Technical issue: NH-90 are too heavy and there are technical issue. (the Navy NH-90 suffers of rust)
Three Extrem Cost: flying around with NH-90 cost around 15000EUR/hour, to compare other Helicopter cost only 3000EUR/hour.
(Agusta affair allover again i wonder if NHIndustries gave presents to Belgium politicians)

Oddly To heavy, technical issue and to high cost.
Same reason why Norway want get rid of NH-90

a yes the Dutch have also same issue and one accident with navy NH-90.
 
French Special forces Command (COS) is finalizing NH90 configuration with new frontal optronic (see also earlier posts) :

Sous le nez de l’appareil, trois des six capteurs grand champ de l’Eurofl’Eye et la boule optronique Euroflir 410NG, tous deux conçus par Safran Electronics and Defense. L’Euroflir 410NG sera également intégrée au Guépard et au drone tactique Patroller

Côté agression, le NH90 FS déplace la mitrailleuse MAG 58 en sabord vers une fenêtre arrière agrandie « afin de dégager complètement l’espace nécessaire pour la dépose et la récupération des combattants ». Le programme prévoit l’intégration des mitrailleuses M134 Minigun et FN M3M vers 2024-2025.


Commandos et forces spéciales disposeront de potences d’aérocordage pour corde lisse légèrement retravaillées et de nouveaux points d’accroche pour la descente en rappel fixés sur le plafond de la soute. L’une des trappes de soute est également agrandie pour faciliter la récupération en « grappe ».


À noter que les forces spéciales ne basculeront pas sur le SITALAT et son successeur, le SICS ALAT. Elles conserveront un système d’information spécifique mais compatible avec le reste des forces. Le volet communication sera complété d’un « Kit Amovible Radio » (KAMORA), une solution modulaire qui limitera le nombre de postes radio au strict nécessaire tout en garantissant l’interopérabilité.
-------------------------//------------------------

Under the nose of the aircraft, three of the Eurofl'Eye's six wide-field sensors and the Euroflir 410NG optronic ball, both designed by Safran Electronics and Defense. The Euroflir 410NG will also be integrated into the Cheetah and the Patroller tactical drones.
On the offensive side, the NH90 FS moves the MAG 58 machine gun in the porthole to an enlarged rear window “in order to completely clear the space necessary for the removal and recovery of the combatants [the doors are really small with a high of only 130cm [51"]] ”. The program provides for the integration of the M134 Minigun and FN M3M machine guns around 2024-2025.

Commandos and special forces will have slightly reworked aerorope anchors for smooth rope and new attachment points on the ceiling of the hold. One of the cargo hatches is also enlarged to facilitate "group" recovery.

Note that the special forces will not switch to the SITALAT and its successor, the SICS ALAT. They will retain a specific information system that is compatible with the rest of the forces. The communication component will be supplemented by a “Removable Radio Kit” (KAMORA), a modular solution which will limit the number of radio sets to what is strictly necessary while guaranteeing interoperability.

 
French Special forces Command (COS) is finalizing NH90 configuration with new frontal optronic (see also earlier posts) :

Sous le nez de l’appareil, trois des six capteurs grand champ de l’Eurofl’Eye et la boule optronique Euroflir 410NG, tous deux conçus par Safran Electronics and Defense. L’Euroflir 410NG sera également intégrée au Guépard et au drone tactique Patroller

Côté agression, le NH90 FS déplace la mitrailleuse MAG 58 en sabord vers une fenêtre arrière agrandie « afin de dégager complètement l’espace nécessaire pour la dépose et la récupération des combattants ». Le programme prévoit l’intégration des mitrailleuses M134 Minigun et FN M3M vers 2024-2025.


Commandos et forces spéciales disposeront de potences d’aérocordage pour corde lisse légèrement retravaillées et de nouveaux points d’accroche pour la descente en rappel fixés sur le plafond de la soute. L’une des trappes de soute est également agrandie pour faciliter la récupération en « grappe ».


À noter que les forces spéciales ne basculeront pas sur le SITALAT et son successeur, le SICS ALAT. Elles conserveront un système d’information spécifique mais compatible avec le reste des forces. Le volet communication sera complété d’un « Kit Amovible Radio » (KAMORA), une solution modulaire qui limitera le nombre de postes radio au strict nécessaire tout en garantissant l’interopérabilité.
-------------------------//------------------------

Under the nose of the aircraft, three of the Eurofl'Eye's six wide-field sensors and the Euroflir 410NG optronic ball, both designed by Safran Electronics and Defense. The Euroflir 410NG will also be integrated into the Cheetah and the Patroller tactical drones.
On the offensive side, the NH90 FS moves the MAG 58 machine gun in the porthole to an enlarged rear window “in order to completely clear the space necessary for the removal and recovery of the combatants [the doors are really small with a high of only 130cm [51"]] ”. The program provides for the integration of the M134 Minigun and FN M3M machine guns around 2024-2025.

Commandos and special forces will have slightly reworked aerorope anchors for smooth rope and new attachment points on the ceiling of the hold. One of the cargo hatches is also enlarged to facilitate "group" recovery.

Note that the special forces will not switch to the SITALAT and its successor, the SICS ALAT. They will retain a specific information system that is compatible with the rest of the forces. The communication component will be supplemented by a “Removable Radio Kit” (KAMORA), a modular solution which will limit the number of radio sets to what is strictly necessary while guaranteeing interoperability.


Looks like the French Special Forces are happy with their NH-90s and not following the current trend of getting rid of them but upgrading the optronic sensor.
 
Yeah the French are even talking about doing an upgrade of the Tigers as well, though with or without the Germans taking part.
Thought the Tiger III was in doubt if the German's weren't in it? Or is it going to be de-scoped?
 
Happy?! I doubt COS (French SOC) are satisfied with what have been put in their hands. I think it's simply a battle they won't fight for various reasons. Look at the amount of transformation needed, it doesn't augur well with an increase in availability. What could be the use of a SOC unit with a 20% sortie rate?
 
Happy?! I doubt COS (French SOC) are satisfied with what have been put in their hands. I think it's simply a battle they won't fight for various reasons. Look at the amount of transformation needed, it doesn't augur well with an increase in availability. What could be the use of a SOC unit with a 20% sortie rate?
Not all acquisition plans are developed from military requirements.

Also one might assume that the French have an over abundance of spare parts now.
 
Despite all the problems the NH90 has faced in-service, I'm proud to have worked on the development, testing and introduction into service of part of the engine package for the helicopter. I had some tough but very rewarding times in that programme.
 
Uh oh....things might go from bad to worse....

So if Sweden goes the same way as Norway did and gets rid of the NH-90 what transport helicopter will replace it?
They did get UH-60 as an interim measure due to NH-90 delays so I suspect they'll go all in.

There is the possibility that such a threat is a real shot across the bows for NH Industries to get their act together very quickly though...looks like they've got till November.
 
Likely some very interesting discussion going on this week in the UK.
 
They did get UH-60 as an interim measure due to NH-90 delays so I suspect they'll go all in.

There is the possibility that such a threat is a real shot across the bows for NH Industries to get their act together very quickly though...looks like they've got till November.

I had forgotten that Sweden had the UH-60 as an interim transport helicopter, that would possibly be the obvious choice for them.
 
They did get UH-60 as an interim measure due to NH-90 delays so I suspect they'll go all in.

There is the possibility that such a threat is a real shot across the bows for NH Industries to get their act together very quickly though...looks like they've got till November.

I had forgotten that Sweden had the UH-60 as an interim transport helicopter, that would possibly be the obvious choice for them.
They can get the Polish built version.
 

Oooer!
 
I am sorry but NH90 doesn't belong anymore in an aviation forum. It is now something to be discussed only as an asset in a divorce lawyers convention.

Call this guy:

1667340542429.png


 
Wouldn't it be such high jinx and LOLs if the MOD selects NH90 for NMH... (I only jest, thankfully they dropped out).

Let's hope the industry learns what went so wrong for NH90 and applies the lessons learned.
 

Oooer!
From the article:
Revealed on 1 November, the proposals laid out by General Micael Byden, head of the Swedish military, will see the country retire the NH90s operated by its armed forces for battlefield support and naval missions, replacing them respectively with additional Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawks and a yet to be determined type.

Stockholm earlier in the year had commissioned a review into the performance of its NH90 fleet, particularly relating to upgrades required to bolster the type’s anti-submarine warfare capabilities. Availability issues with the troop transport variant have also been a concern.

On the back of that process, Byden’s plans call for it to “decommission” the HKP-14Es and -14Fs – Sweden’s designations for the NH90 troop transport and maritime helicopters – over the period from 2024 to 2030. The 18-strong fleet comprises nine of each version.

Under the proposals, Stockholm will begin the procurement of a new maritime helicopter in the 2024-2030 period, while also buying additional Black Hawks for the battlefield support role.

“The aim is to meet operational requirements earlier and increase availability of the helicopter fleet to be able to support the army, special forces and navy needs,” the plans indicate.

Retirement of the NH90 fleet will be completed by 2035 at the latest, in parallel with the acquisition of new Black Hawks, the document says.
 

Oooer!
From the article:
Revealed on 1 November, the proposals laid out by General Micael Byden, head of the Swedish military, will see the country retire the NH90s operated by its armed forces for battlefield support and naval missions, replacing them respectively with additional Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawks and a yet to be determined type.

Stockholm earlier in the year had commissioned a review into the performance of its NH90 fleet, particularly relating to upgrades required to bolster the type’s anti-submarine warfare capabilities. Availability issues with the troop transport variant have also been a concern.

On the back of that process, Byden’s plans call for it to “decommission” the HKP-14Es and -14Fs – Sweden’s designations for the NH90 troop transport and maritime helicopters – over the period from 2024 to 2030. The 18-strong fleet comprises nine of each version.

Under the proposals, Stockholm will begin the procurement of a new maritime helicopter in the 2024-2030 period, while also buying additional Black Hawks for the battlefield support role.

“The aim is to meet operational requirements earlier and increase availability of the helicopter fleet to be able to support the army, special forces and navy needs,” the plans indicate.

Retirement of the NH90 fleet will be completed by 2035 at the latest, in parallel with the acquisition of new Black Hawks, the document says.

Oh dear, things are not looking good at all for the NH-90, now Sweden is getting rid of their NH-90s too. I wonder how many NH-90s that leaves around the world that are still in operational use? Not that many I would think.
 

Oh dear, things are not looking good at all for the NH-90, now Sweden is getting rid of their NH-90s too. I wonder how many NH-90s that leaves around the world that are still in operational use? Not that many I would think.

The French ones, mainly, I think. At least they can get lots of spares on the cheap in the next few years.
 
The French ones, mainly, I think. At least they can get lots of spares on the cheap in the next few years.

Either that or the French can take on some of the spare NH-90s for their Navy, Air Force and Army. I would hate to see them go to waste TomS, even if other countries are getting rid of them.
 
One thing that may complicate the Swedish army's (and Air Force's) plans is that the Navy has been pushing for the disbandment of the Swedish Armed Forces Helicopter Wing and the reestablishment of the Marinflyget. They may well have quite different ideas as regards to to the disposition of the HKP-14F birds (and possibly ideas of also grabbing the HKP-14Es for the Amphibious Corps). Not least because they are currently getting upgrades that should make them more useful for ASW and other operations.
NH Industries (NHI) – a three-way consortium comprising Airbus Helicopters, Leonardo Helicopters and GKN/Fokker – says it ”acknowledges” the Swedish study and the rationalisation of its helicopter inventory ”including the phasing out of their current NH90 fleet”.

It points to the customisation of the helicopters for Sweden’s requirements – including increased cabin height and a Saab-developed tactical mission system for the naval version. In addition, NHI stresses that availability rates for the country’s NH90s have been “above the average for similar helicopter types” albeit the size of the available fleet has been “temporarily reduced” in recent years due to a retrofit and upgrade programme running since 2017 but due to conclude by end-2023.

”The expected return into service of all of the Swedish NH90s at that time will boost fleet availability. NHI has also proposed to the Swedish armed forces over the last few months additional measures that could significantly improve availability and reduce operating costs with limited efforts,” says the consortium.
 
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French Special forces Command (COS) is finalizing NH90 configuration with new frontal optronic (see also earlier posts) :

Sous le nez de l’appareil, trois des six capteurs grand champ de l’Eurofl’Eye et la boule optronique Euroflir 410NG, tous deux conçus par Safran Electronics and Defense. L’Euroflir 410NG sera également intégrée au Guépard et au drone tactique Patroller

Côté agression, le NH90 FS déplace la mitrailleuse MAG 58 en sabord vers une fenêtre arrière agrandie « afin de dégager complètement l’espace nécessaire pour la dépose et la récupération des combattants ». Le programme prévoit l’intégration des mitrailleuses M134 Minigun et FN M3M vers 2024-2025.


Commandos et forces spéciales disposeront de potences d’aérocordage pour corde lisse légèrement retravaillées et de nouveaux points d’accroche pour la descente en rappel fixés sur le plafond de la soute. L’une des trappes de soute est également agrandie pour faciliter la récupération en « grappe ».


À noter que les forces spéciales ne basculeront pas sur le SITALAT et son successeur, le SICS ALAT. Elles conserveront un système d’information spécifique mais compatible avec le reste des forces. Le volet communication sera complété d’un « Kit Amovible Radio » (KAMORA), une solution modulaire qui limitera le nombre de postes radio au strict nécessaire tout en garantissant l’interopérabilité.
-------------------------//------------------------

Under the nose of the aircraft, three of the Eurofl'Eye's six wide-field sensors and the Euroflir 410NG optronic ball, both designed by Safran Electronics and Defense. The Euroflir 410NG will also be integrated into the Cheetah and the Patroller tactical drones.
On the offensive side, the NH90 FS moves the MAG 58 machine gun in the porthole to an enlarged rear window “in order to completely clear the space necessary for the removal and recovery of the combatants [the doors are really small with a high of only 130cm [51"]] ”. The program provides for the integration of the M134 Minigun and FN M3M machine guns around 2024-2025.

Commandos and special forces will have slightly reworked aerorope anchors for smooth rope and new attachment points on the ceiling of the hold. One of the cargo hatches is also enlarged to facilitate "group" recovery.

Note that the special forces will not switch to the SITALAT and its successor, the SICS ALAT. They will retain a specific information system that is compatible with the rest of the forces. The communication component will be supplemented by a “Removable Radio Kit” (KAMORA), a modular solution which will limit the number of radio sets to what is strictly necessary while guaranteeing interoperability.


Looks like the French Special Forces are happy with their NH-90s and not following the current trend of getting rid of them but upgrading the optronic sensor.
French Special forces Command (COS) is finalizing NH90 configuration with new frontal optronic (see also earlier posts) :

Sous le nez de l’appareil, trois des six capteurs grand champ de l’Eurofl’Eye et la boule optronique Euroflir 410NG, tous deux conçus par Safran Electronics and Defense. L’Euroflir 410NG sera également intégrée au Guépard et au drone tactique Patroller

Côté agression, le NH90 FS déplace la mitrailleuse MAG 58 en sabord vers une fenêtre arrière agrandie « afin de dégager complètement l’espace nécessaire pour la dépose et la récupération des combattants ». Le programme prévoit l’intégration des mitrailleuses M134 Minigun et FN M3M vers 2024-2025.


Commandos et forces spéciales disposeront de potences d’aérocordage pour corde lisse légèrement retravaillées et de nouveaux points d’accroche pour la descente en rappel fixés sur le plafond de la soute. L’une des trappes de soute est également agrandie pour faciliter la récupération en « grappe ».


À noter que les forces spéciales ne basculeront pas sur le SITALAT et son successeur, le SICS ALAT. Elles conserveront un système d’information spécifique mais compatible avec le reste des forces. Le volet communication sera complété d’un « Kit Amovible Radio » (KAMORA), une solution modulaire qui limitera le nombre de postes radio au strict nécessaire tout en garantissant l’interopérabilité.
-------------------------//------------------------

Under the nose of the aircraft, three of the Eurofl'Eye's six wide-field sensors and the Euroflir 410NG optronic ball, both designed by Safran Electronics and Defense. The Euroflir 410NG will also be integrated into the Cheetah and the Patroller tactical drones.
On the offensive side, the NH90 FS moves the MAG 58 machine gun in the porthole to an enlarged rear window “in order to completely clear the space necessary for the removal and recovery of the combatants [the doors are really small with a high of only 130cm [51"]] ”. The program provides for the integration of the M134 Minigun and FN M3M machine guns around 2024-2025.

Commandos and special forces will have slightly reworked aerorope anchors for smooth rope and new attachment points on the ceiling of the hold. One of the cargo hatches is also enlarged to facilitate "group" recovery.

Note that the special forces will not switch to the SITALAT and its successor, the SICS ALAT. They will retain a specific information system that is compatible with the rest of the forces. The communication component will be supplemented by a “Removable Radio Kit” (KAMORA), a modular solution which will limit the number of radio sets to what is strictly necessary while guaranteeing interoperability.


I got briefed at ILA Berlin back in June at the Airbus chalet - so got to sit in mock up of the SF variant.

So here are my pics

818B7062-3949-49BF-8554-D0594DD304C5.jpeg 841A2CC9-3678-4814-8068-63453BA42604.jpeg 3A75A848-9617-4D8F-99BF-AFE6B5FC7E60.jpeg A11D966C-FF10-48A9-A90F-427A5D67E38F.jpeg C988F190-3A4E-4D27-AA7F-76EE68D650B7.jpeg 4459B703-5182-401E-87D5-FD6E8B1B6BDC.jpeg


10266F3F-3004-435B-86FB-FE1F71745033.jpeg
 
Great pics. Thanks.

You have to wonder why there is triple the budget for the winch and repelling kit on starboard than for the added weapon stations on the sides of the fuselage in lieu of stub wings.

Look at the machined parts in the assembly (!).
 
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Great pics. Thanks.

You have to wonder why there is triple the budget for the winch kit on starboard than for the added weapon stations on the sides of the fuselage in lieu of stub wings.

Look at the machined parts in the assembly (!).

I'm more impressed with the very non-MilSpec shell casing disposal system on the minigun -- a length of accordion vent and a hose clamp that might have cost 10 Euros at a hardware store.
 
Also, I'm just realizing that it's a plastic mockup of a minigun. Can't quite work out if it's 3-D printed or CNC milled, but it's definitely not the real deal.
 
@TomS "...the very non-MilSpec shell casing disposal system on the minigun -- a length of accordion vent and a hose clamp..."

The US Army 160th SOAR does the same, but it got charged $1600.
Special folks get special prices.
 
because it's "aircraft spec" accordion vent and a hose clamp, innit ?! When you are brassing up the enemy, it's good to know that the empties are passing through a "proper" aviation pipe instead any old hardware store crap. Them expensive homes owned by aerospace manufacturers won't buy themselves, you know!
 
Belgium about to enter in a new acquisition process (30) to replace their NH-90 (Land and Naval). Their much used A-109 might also get a replacement program named LUH for Light Utility Helicopter.

 
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Belgium about to enter in a new acquisition process (30) to replace their NH-90 (Land and Naval). Their much used A-109 might also get a replacement a program named LUH for alight Utility Helicopter.


I believe this is only the TTH version that they're looking to ditch. The 4 NFH will keep going.

Anyone want to take bets on who is next? Will Belgium keep its Naval version going into the future? Or head for the hills as well...
 
Belgium about to enter in a new acquisition process (30) to replace their NH-90 (Land and Naval). Their much used A-109 might also get a replacement program named LUH for alight Utility Helicopter.


Belgium is keeping the NH90-NFH, they are only buying 4 smaller SAR helicopters (7-ton class) so the NFH's can focus solely on maritime- and Anti-Submarine warfare ops.
aside from these and the H145M, there are also plans further down the line, by 2030, to have a fleet of 8 to 10 CH-47F Chinooks.
 

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