Airbus Helicopters has commenced the flight test campaign for the NH90 Standard 2 prototype, developed to support the French Army Aviation’s special forces operations. The French Ministry of Armed Forces has ordered a total of 18 NH90 helicopters in the Standard 2 configuration.
Test Program and Equipment
The flight tests will continue until the end of the year in accordance with the program agreed upon with the French General Directorate for Armament (DGA). The Standard 2 configuration includes the Safran Euroflir 410 electro-optical system, a new digital mapping system, equipment for a third crew member, and new extended rear sliding windows capable of housing self-defense weapons. Additionally, the helicopter will be equipped with mechanical and electrical equipment for the future integration of the Defensive Aids System (DAS) and the new-generation Helmet Mounted Sight Digital Display (HMSD-DD). These systems will enhance the capabilities of special forces to operate under extremely challenging conditions.
NATO and NHIndustries Collaboration
These flight tests are part of a program initiated in 2020 for the development and upgrade of 10 NH90 TTH (Tactical Transport Helicopters) in the Standard 2 configuration, in collaboration with the NATO Helicopter Management Agency (NAHEMA) and NHIndustries (NHI), a consortium of Airbus Helicopters, Leonardo, and Fokker. The French Army Aviation is set to procure 81 NH90 TTHs by the end of the next decade.
The flight tests of the NH90 Standard 2 aim to enhance the operational capacity of the helicopter and the effectiveness of special forces in demanding missions.
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