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NH90 SEEKS PRODUCTION FUNDS

Eurocopter Germany had good reason to celebrate: the fourth prototype of the NH90 took off at its development centre at Ottobrunn near Munich and heralded the first helicopter in the nine ton class which had been designed with strong German participation. Another milestone had been reached by the helicopter program which is potentially the biggest in Western Europe. After three basic helicopters, which had been built in Marignane, Southern France, the PT4 now represents a TTH Version (Tactical Transport Helicopter).

The PT4 is recognisable by its nose. It is fitted with a weather radar, a slewable infrared sensor and ECM warning receivers for electronic warfare. Not so obvious though is the rear loading ramp, which measures 1,78meters x 1,58meters. Light vehicles can be taken onboard through it and stored in the cabin, which is 4.8 meters long.

At the moment this space, which can transport 20 soldiers, is taken up with extensive test equipment for the flight test engineer. However, the cockpit with its big colour displays looks like that of a production variant already. Members of the crew are able to use their own helmet displays. Naturally a Fly-by-Wire-System is installed, which sets the NH90 apart, since it is going to be the one of the few mass- produced helicopters with this type of equipment. The only other one is the US RAH-66 Comanche.

Frank Dorn, Eurocopter's director of military helicopters, is happy that, "the performance of the Fly-by-Wire System corresponds very well with simulations". According to management company NH Industries (Eurocopter, Agusta, Stork/Fokker), the proving flights are progressing nicely. Since the maiden flight on 19 December 1995, the four NH90s have been airborne for around 450 hours. During these flights an altitude of 20,000ft and a speed of up to 360 km/h were reached.

The following tests were carried out: extreme centre of gravity positions, landings on tilting terrain at up to 12 degrees and roll-on landings at a speed of over 90 km/h. The PT1 also performed trials onboard a ship. It carried out 62 landings off the Italian coast on a frigate of the French La-Fayette Class, all within two days.

Not all tests have been carried out yet, and work is still going on to optimise details like the air intake or the horizontal stabilizer. However, Dorn is sure that "the aircraft has excellent flight properties and will pass all the required tests with flying colours."

The manufacturer should be confident, because customers want guarantees. "It is important to adhere to the schedules in order to gain trust. That is why we have to pull out all the stops in order to get the last prototype, the PT5 (Navy version, final assembly with Agusta), airborne in October".

The NH90 Program is in need of good news, because the countries involved are not forthcoming with their orders. According to the French Defence Ministry the contract expected by NH Industries for the middle of 1998, then by the end of last year and then for Le Bourget in June will be signed "before the year is out". "All partners are agreed about the price and the schedule of the program. There just remains to sort out a few administrative and technical details," explained Alain Richard in the run-up to the Aérosalon at Paris.

A few weeks later this statement seems overly optimistic. Yes, in the spring the reduced prices, the guaranteed performance and modes of payment had more or less been settled, the German Defence Ministry confirmed in mid-July. But a spokesperson for the Hardthöhe in Bonn was no longer prepared to give any more details, because "the facts are now outdated".

As part of drastic budget cuts demanded by Finance Minister Eichel, all programs which have not had firm commitments, are being closely re-examined."We have to see first of all how much money we have", is the evasive explanation.

Naturally the manufacturer is convinced that the NH90 is a sensible investment. And also the military are standing by their requirement for new transport and military helicopters. After all the Army's old, and by today's standards, low performance UH-1Ds will need replacing soon. "We will be able to adhere to the delivery date, i.e. from 2003, if the contract can be agreed upon this year", promises Alain Gauthier, NH Industries Marketing Director.

Eurocopter's Co-President Dr. Siegfried Sobotta stresses that "there is no alternative for the NH90. We want to tap into the US dominated market. Here is our big chance to successfully export European helicopters". Frank Dorn adds: "Exports could double the number of units, but we have to act quickly". The importance of the NH90 cannot be stressed too much. Despite some problems the prgrammes is condemned to succeed.

From page 52 of FLUG REVUE 9/99