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First Flight of the French NH90 TTHNHI is pleased to announce the maiden flight of the first French NH90 TTH. This event took place in Marignane at the Eurocopter facilities .
This important step follows the initial order in December 2007 by NAHEMA (Nato Helicopter Management Agency ) on behalf of DGA (Délégation Générale de l’Armement) for 34 NH90 TTH.
The French NH90 TTH (Tactical Transport Helicopter) is a 11 Ton class helicopter, primarily configured to perform tactical transport missions in all environments, by day and night. The flexibility of the NH90 TTH allows its users to perform multi-role missions such as internal/external load transport, Search and Rescue, Personnel Recovery and Casualty Evacuation.
The French NH90 TTH which will join the ALAT (French Army Aviation), shares a high degree of commonality with the NH90 NFH already deployed within the French Navy, including the logistics
and support aspects. The NH90 TTH aircraft will progressively replace the legacy fleet of Cougar and Super Puma within ALAT.
The NH90 TTH is the most modern helicopter of its class available on the market. It features a high level of system integration built around a dual bus core avionic system, full glass cockpit with
multifunction displays, fly-by-wire controls with 4-axis automatic flight control. The dedicated mission system includes: A piloting Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) system, helmet mounted sight and display, electronic warfare system, tactical control and tactical communication system, weather radar, digital map generator and an on-board monitoring and diagnostic system. It features a fully composite fuselage fitted with a rear ramp which allows the transport of a light tactical vehicle. The two Rolls-Royce/Turbomeca RTM322 engines provide power reserve in all environments. The NH90 helicopter has provision for a number of role equipment to enable mission flexibility and effectiveness coupled with the latest standards for safety and survivability.
The twin-engine, medium-size NH90 helicopter programme is managed by the consortium NHIndustries, a company owned by AgustaWestland (32%), Eurocopter (62.5%), and Fokker Aerostructures (5.5%). The NH90 helicopter programme is the largest ever launched in Europe, with firm orders now reaching 529 units for 19 Armed Forces of 14 Nations: France, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands, Portugal, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Greece, Oman, Australia, New-Zealand, Spain and Belgium.
