The Qatar Emiri Air Force has celebrated a significant achievement with its NH90 helicopter programme, highlighted by the successful first flights in Italy and France. The inaugural flight of the NH90 NATO Frigate Helicopter (NFH), assembled at Leonardo’s facility in Venice Tessera, and the initial tactical troop transport (TTH) airframe from Airbus Helicopters’ Marignane site, took place on December 15 and 18, respectively. These flights allowed the crews to assess essential handling characteristics and evaluate basic systems, and the helicopters functioned flawlessly.
Qatar’s NH90 programme encompasses 16 NH90 TTHs designed for land operations and 12 NH90 NFHs dedicated to naval missions. The package includes extensive support services, maintenance, training, and the necessary infrastructure. There is potential for future expansion of the programme, with the addition of 6 + 6 units in various TTH and NFH configurations. Leonardo serves as the prime contractor, overseeing final assembly and delivery of the NH90 NFH helicopters from its Venice Tessera facility. Additionally, Leonardo will provide simulators and training aids along with a comprehensive maintenance support package for aircrews and technicians. The integration of advanced avionics and sensor payloads is also a priority, featuring the Leonardo LEOSS-T HD electro-optical system, HD Mission Video Recorder, Automatic Identification System, tactical video link, and full HD display for cabin consoles. Meanwhile, the final assembly of the 16 NH90 TTH aircraft is the responsibility of Airbus Helicopters. The Qatar Emiri Air Force is scheduled to begin acceptance of the first batch of NH90s by the end of 2021, with the complete delivery projected for 2025.
Gian Piero Cutillo, Managing Director of Leonardo Helicopters, expressed, “We are thrilled to celebrate this significant milestone as we diligently advance this programme. The NH90 is poised to equip the Qatar Ministry of Defence, a valued and long-standing partner, with exceptional operational capabilities across various mission types. Alongside our industrial partners, we are dedicated to fulfilling this vital defence and security initiative for our client.”
