The German Navy has chosen the NH90 to replace its aging fleet of shipboard Westland Lynx anti-submarine warfare/anti-surface warfare (ASW/ASuW) helicopters. Naval officials say the decision, announced on July 31, will allow the country’s naval air arm to streamline logistics and training as the service has already ordered the NH90 as a replacement for its Westland-built Sea Kings.
As noted by the Bundeswehr, the helicopter selection was made at the end of 2018 with the support of the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology, and In-Service Support (BAAINBw). The representative of the Inspector General of the German Armed Forces, Vice Admiral Joachim Rühle, approved this proposal on 29 July, and the new helicopters are to be delivered from 2025.
The NH90 NATO Frigate Helicopter (NH90 NFH) is already flown by the navies of France, Italy, Norway, Belgium and the Netherlands.
Main Characteristics :
Overall dimensions (rotors turning):
– Length 19.56 m 64.18 ft
– Width 16.30 m 53.48 ft
– Height 5.31 m 17.42 ft
Weights
– Maximum Gross Weight 10,600 kg 23,369 lb
– Alternate Gross Weight 11,000 kg 24,250 lb
– Empty Weight 6,400 kg 14,109 lb
– Useful Load 4,200 kg 9,260 lb
NH90 General Performance ( Basic Aircraft)
Maximum Cruise Speed (*) 300 km/h 162 kts
Economical Cruise Speed (*) 260 km/h 140 kts
Maximum Rate Of Climb (*) 11.2 m/sec 2,200 ft/min
OEI Rate Of Climb 2 min Rating (*) 4.3 m/sec 850 ft/min
OEI Rate Of Climb Continuous
Rating at 2000 m (6560 ft)(*) 1.5 m/sec 300 ft/min
Hover Ceiling IGE (*) 3,200 m 10,500 ft
Hover Ceiling OGE (*) 2,600 m 8,530 ft
Maximum Range 982 km 530 Nm
Maximum Range with 2500 kg payload 900 km 486 Nm
Maximum Endurance 5 h
Ferry Range (with Internal Aux
Fuel Tanks) 1,600 km 864 Nm
(*) at 10000 kg
