New Variant Will Support Special Forces Operations
Airbus Helicopters announced that the NH90 Standard 2 prototype developed for the French Army Light Aviation (ALAT) special forces operations has entered into its flight test program. Flight testing is intended to validate the design of this Special Forces variant (also referred to as the NH90 FS) and is expected to last until the end of the year based on the schedule agreed upon with the French Armament General Directorate.
The new variant includes upgrades such as a new digital map generator, integration of the Safran Euroflir 410 optical system, installation for a third crewmember, and larger rear sliding windows that can accommodate guns. It also has mechanical and electrical mods intended for the future integration of the Distributed Aperture System (DAS) and a next-generation Helmet Mounted Sight Digital Display (HMSD-DD). NHIndustries chose to quip the NH90 FS with the TopOwl Digital Display helmet for integration with the display software.
These design and equipment upgrades are intended to enhance the helicopter’s operational capabilities in highly demanding and dynamic situations. The General Directorate contracted NHIndustries to develop the Special Forces variant and the Ministry for Armed Forces has placed an order for 18 NH90s in this FS configuration. First deliveries of the NH90 FS to the 4th Special Forces Helicopter Regiment of ALAT are expected in 2025.
NHIndustries is a consortium comprised of Airbus, Leonardo Helicopters, and Fokker. The TopOwl Digital Display helmet was developed by Thales.
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