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Airbus Delivers First of Second Batch NH90 Helicopters to Spain

Our Bureau - : Dec 19, 2024 - : 10:08 pm

Airbus Helicopters has handed over the first NH90 helicopter of the second batch to the Directorate General of Armament and Material (DGAM) at its Albacete facility in Spain. This delivery marks the first NH90 in the Standard 3 configuration for the Spanish Air and Space Force.

The second batch includes a total of 23 NH90 helicopters, with 16 in the Standard 3 configuration. Of these, 10 will be allocated to the Spanish Army Air Mobile Forces (FAMET), six to the Air and Space Force, and the remaining seven will be navalised versions for the Spanish Navy. Deliveries are scheduled to occur incrementally between December 2024 and 2028.

The first NH90 for the Spanish Navy, a tactical transport version (MSPT), is nearing completion of its Type Certification by the Spanish Airworthiness Authority. This helicopter is already stationed in Albacete, awaiting final delivery to the DGAM in the coming weeks. Navy personnel from the 14th Squadron have commenced training at the Albacete plant to prepare for operational deployment of the NH90.

"We are proud to be supporting our armed forces with these new state-of-the-art NH90s that will create a standardised modern fleet across all three armed forces. We have contributed to these benchmark airborne forces with a helicopter that offers a world-class operational capability to the Spanish Armed Forces. The upcoming addition of the NH90 in the Spanish Navy is a definitive step in the modernisation and Airbus Helicopters will be ready to respond to the needs of the Spanish customer," said Fernando Lombo, Managing Director of Airbus Helicopters in Spain.

The NH90 Standard 3 configuration features upgraded communications with improved encryption, enhanced operational safety measures, and several system optimisations. The MSPT variant for the Spanish Navy will enhance its strategic capabilities, incorporating reinforced landing gear, a maximum take-off weight of up to 11 tonnes, and automatic folding mechanisms for the main rotor blades and rear fuselage.

Spain currently operates 15 NH90 helicopters with the FAMET, referred to as ‘Sarrios’, and six NH90 helicopters designated as ‘Lobo’ within the Air and Space Force. These helicopters have participated in various missions, including disaster relief efforts following the Dana weather event in Valencia.

Globally, 523 NH90 helicopters have been delivered to 13 countries, accumulating nearly 420,000 flight hours. NHIndustries (NHI), a consortium comprising Airbus Helicopters, Leonardo Helicopters, and GKN Fokker, oversees the design, manufacturing, and support of the NH90.

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