NH Industries (NHI) and the NATO Helicopter Management Agency (NAHEMA) recently signed a contract that begins the development and qualification of the NH90 Block 1 update, also known as Software Release 3 This contract, acting on behalf of Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands and Italy, marks a crucial step in the evolution of the NH90 program and represents a major upgrade in capabilities for the. TTH and NFH variants of the NH90 combat helicopter.
Statement from Axel Aloccio, President of NHI
Axel Aloccio, President of NH Industries and Head of the NH90 Program at Airbus Helicopters, highlighted the importance of this new milestone: “The signing of the SWR3 contract, which marks the launch of the NH90 Block 1 upgrade, is an important milestone for the NH90 program and demonstrates the confidence our NATO customers have in the NH90, anticipating its use for many decades. We have a specific plan to extend the service life of the NH90 up to 50 years and we need to upgrade the device to keep it relevant on future battlefields. The Block 1 program will cover the next ten to fifteen years. Beyond this horizon, we are also planning the Block 2 upgrade which will define the future evolutions of the platform and ensure that it continues to meet the needs of tomorrow’s battlefields. »
First phase of the program: technical improvements and integrations
The first phase of this €600 million program includes an upgrade to the NH90 communications suite and the integration of Data Link 22, enabling beyond-line-of-sight interoperability without relying on satellite communications . IFF Mod 5 Level 2, the latest version of the device used to identify and track military aircraft, will also be integrated. Other improvements will be available to operators and include the integration of a latest generation electro-optical system, a new dipping sonar and the integration of the MK 54 torpedo and the Marte ER anti-ship missile. The NH90 Block 1 will be capable of navigating with a civil grade navigation satellite system (GNSS) and flight management system.
Second phase of the program: deployment and configurable improvements
The second phase of the program, currently being finalized, will consist of the deployment of Block 1 configuration improvements to approximately 200 NH90s, covering both NFH and TTH versions.
NHIndustries: a giant in the aerospace industry
NHIndustries, the largest rotorcraft consortium, is responsible for the design, manufacturing and support of the NH90, a leader among the latest generation military helicopters. The company capitalizes on the best of the European rotorcraft and defense industry, being owned by Airbus Helicopters (62.5%), Leonardo (32%) and GKN Fokker (5.5%). Each company brings the best of its skills and expertise to the final product.
Future implications and commitments to NATO
NHI and NAHEMA’s commitment to the NH90 upgrade demonstrates their desire to keep this platform at the forefront of military aerospace technologies. With these improvements, the NH90 is well positioned to meet future conflict demands, ensuring the safety and effectiveness of military operations for decades to come.
In summary :
- NH Industries and the NATO Helicopter Management Agency (NAHEMA) have initiated the NH90 Block 1 program to improve the NH90 combat helicopters, covering the TTH and NFH variants.
- The €600 million program includes advancements such as communications suite updates, Data Link 22 integration and IFF Mod 5 Level 2 to improve aircraft identification and tracking.
- Additional integrations include a next-generation electro-optical system, dipping sonar and the addition of the MK 54 torpedo and Marte ER anti-ship missile.
- The update will allow the NH90 to navigate via a civilian grade satellite navigation system and an improved flight management system.
- Around 200 NH90s will be upgraded in the second phase of the program, strengthening the sustainability and operational relevance of this fleet for decades to come.
