06/19/07
Following the signature of a MoU between Belgium and the founding nations of the
NH90, NAHEMA, on behalf of Belgium, signed a contract with NHI to supply Belgium
with a total of ten NH90. These ten NH90 include four aircraft in the TTH (Tactical
Transport Helicopter) version, four in the NFH (NATO Frigate Helicopter) version - and
two options. The ceremony took place on June 18 at the Cercle Militaire Saint-Augustin in Paris. Belgium is the 14th country ordering the NH90 and the sixth to join
NAHEMO (NATO Helicopter Management Organisation), the international program
organisation representing France, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands, Portugal and now
also Belgium. The Belgian government had officially confirmed its selection of the
NH90 in April this year.
Eurocopter and its partner companies in the NHIndustries industrial consortium,
AgustaWestland and Stork Fokker, are proud to welcome Belgium to the fast-growing
community of NH90 customers around the world. Lutz Bertling, President and CEO of
Eurocopter, stated: “NH90 is taking us into the top league of international military suppliers in
a market previously dominated by U.S. manufacturers. This is based on the orders and
options by the nations participating in the program, as well as on winning numerous export
orders, which together make the NH90 the largest military helicopter program ever launched
in Europe.”
With this new contract, the total number of NH90 on order increases to 453. It further
emphasizes the fact that the NH90 has become the standard medium-class multi-role military
helicopter of the 21st century. Fourteen different nations have now officially ordered the
NH90. They are: France, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands, Finland, Norway, Sweden,
Greece, Portugal, Sultanate of Oman, Australia, New Zealand, Spain and Belgium.
The NH90 has been designed from the outset as a multi-role weapons system. The tactical
transport (TTH) and naval (NFH) variants of the helicopter share a common basic helicopter
in a modular design. Dedicated, specialized mission equipment packages allow for maximum
flexibility in operations. Special emphasis has been given to features such as safety,
reliability, availability, maintainability, testability, and supportability. The diamond shape of
the all-composite, corrosion-free airframe combines optimal aerodynamics with low
detectability. Optimized man-machine interface significantly reduces pilot and crew workload.
The NH90’s superior handling qualities are enhanced by a fly-by-wire flight control system,
making it the first production helicopter in the world to feature this advanced technology.
Due to its inherent multi-mission capability, the NH90 will greatly enhance interoperability of
the European armed forces in NATO and United Nations missions, contribute to the
standardization of equipment and to the rationalization of costs, training and logistics.
The NH90 program is managed by NAHEMO (NATO Helicopter Management Organisation)
representing France, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands, Portugal and Belgium, and by the
industrial consortium NHIndustries consisting of Eurocopter (62.5%), AgustaWestland (32%) and Stork Fokker (5.5%).
About Eurocopter
Established in 1992, the Franco-German-Spanish Eurocopter Group is a Division of EADS, a
world leader in aerospace, defence and related services. The Eurocopter Group employs
approx. 14,000 people. In 2006, Eurocopter confirmed its position as the world’s No. 1
helicopter manufacturer with a turnover of 3.8 billion euros, orders for 615 new helicopters,
and a 52% percent market share in the civil and parapublic sectors. Overall, the Group’s
products account for 30% percent of the total world helicopter fleet. Its strong worldwide
presence is ensured by its 17 subsidiaries on five continents, along with a dense network of
distributors, certified agents and maintenance centres. More than 9,800 Eurocopter
helicopters are currently in service with over 2,500 customers in 140 countries. Eurocopter
offers the largest civil and military helicopter range in the world.
100 years of vertical flight
In 1907, Paul Cornu performed history’s first ever vertical flight. Since then, thanks to
pioneering spirits, technological advances and innovative minds, the helicopter has become a
key to saving lives, protecting citizens and contributing to economic development the world
over. In 2007, Eurocopter is proud to celebrate this anniversary and to share its passion for
helicopters.
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