The initial pair of NH90 helicopters, designed for maritime operations, belonging to the Qatar Emiri Air Force were presented from Leonardo’s Venice Tessera final assembly line (Italy).
The Qatar Emiri Air Force stands out as one of the NH90 End Users capable of utilizing both the TTH and NFH variants of the NH90 for various ground engagements and maritime operations.
In addition to serving as the principal contractor for the entire programme, Leonardo is accountable for the final assembly and distribution of the 12 NH90 NFH helicopters from its Venice Tessera site. The firm is also offering a comprehensive support and educational services package for crews and maintenance personnel.
Managed via the NHIndustries collaborative venture, the NH90 programme represents the largest military helicopter initiative in Europe. Approximately 470 units are operational globally, and the aircraft has amassed nearly 330,000 flight hours in diverse climatic and environmental settings, both over land and at sea.
Another significant milestone in the Qatar Emiri Air Force’s NH90 initiative was achieved on 31 March with the introduction of the first two NFH naval variant helicopters. The aircraft handover, accomplished in line with contractual obligations, occurred during an official ceremony at Leonardo’s Venice Tessera NH90 final assembly line (Italy), attended by representatives from the Qatar Emiri Air Force, Leonardo, and NHI. This occasion follows the transfer of the first TTH aircraft designated for land missions from Airbus Helicopters’ facility in Marignane (France) in December 2021, with the second TTH handed over recently. The premiere of the first NFH naval helicopter took place publicly in Qatar on 18 December 2021, coinciding with the National Day celebrations.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION ON QATAR’S NH90 INITIATIVE
Qatar’s NH90 initiative encompasses 16 NH90 TTHs for ground operations, 12 NH90 NFHs for maritime missions, a holistic suite of support, maintenance & training services, along with the necessary infrastructure. The Qatar Emiri Air Force is among the select NH90 End Users managing both TTH and NFH variants for a range of land and naval operations. The programme has the possibility of extension in the future with the inclusion of an additional 6 + 6 units in a mix of TTH and NFH models. Leonardo remains the prime contractor for the overarching programme and is also tasked with the final assembly and handover of the 12 NH90 NFH helicopters from its Venice Tessera establishment. The firm is also supplying simulators, training resources, and a broad maintenance support and educational services package for aircrews and maintenance specialists. Leonardo is contributing to or facilitating the integration of various avionics and sensor systems, featuring the Leonardo LEOSS-T HD electro-optical system, HD Mission Video Recorder, Automatic Identification System, Tactical video link, and Full HD displays for cabin consoles. Airbus Helicopters is responsible for the final assembly of the 16 NH90 TTH aircraft, with deliveries projected to continue through 2025.
EDITORIAL NOTE ON LEONARDO’S ROLE IN THE NH90 HELICOPTER
Leonardo is responsible for, or plays a role in, the design, manufacturing, and integration of a wide array of crucial NH90 components and systems. These include the rear fuselage, the main gearbox hydraulic system, upper modes of the Automatic Flight Control System (AFCS), plant management framework, power plant integration, NFH mission systems (integrating sonar, radar, electro-optics, tactical link, electronic warfare systems, Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) interrogator, mission video recording, and weapon systems management including air-to-surface missiles and torpedoes designed for Anti-Surface Warfare (ASuW) and Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) tasks. Leonardo also integrates additional features such as the Laser Obstacle Avoidance Monitoring (LOAM) system and the LEOSS-T electro-optical system (similarly selected by the German Navy for their new NH90 Multi Role Frigate Helicopter Programme), as well as pintle-mounted Gatling-type weapons for specific clientele.
