Leonardo marks a new important result for the military helicopter program of the Qatar Air Force, with the delivery of the first two NFH naval helicopters. The delivery, reads a note, "happened in line with the contractual commitments", was carried out on March 31 during an official ceremony at the Leonardo factory in Venice Tessera in the presence of representatives of the operator, the Company and the NH Industries joint venture. The Qatar Air Force is one of the operators to deploy both versions (both TTH and NFH) of the NH90 for various land and sea applications.
The delivery of the first two naval helicopters follows that of the first helicopter in the TTH version for land use, which took place in December 2021 at the Airbus Helicopters plant in Marignane in France, to which the second TTH has also been added more recently. The first naval NFH was publicly unveiled for the first time during Qatar's National Day on 18 December.
The NH90 program for Qatar and Leonardo's contribution
Managed through the NHIndustries joint venture – a company owned by Leonardo, Airbus and GKN Fokker – the NH90 is the largest military helicopter program in Europe. The NH90 is offered in two variants, one dedicated to naval operations (NFH – Nato Frigate Helicopter) and one alle ground missions (TTH – Tactical Transport Variant). To date, nearly 470 helicopters are in service worldwide. The world fleet has accumulated nearly 330.000 mission flight hours in all weather conditions, both on land and at sea.
In detail, the NH90 program for Qatar includes 16 NH90 TTH, 12 NH90 NFH a complete package of support, maintenance, training and infrastructure. Deliveries will continue until 2025. According to the press release issued by the company, the program could be further expanded in the future with the addition of another 12 units (6 TTH + 6 NFH).
Leonardo acts as prime contractor with responsibility for program management, final assembly and delivery of 12 NH90 NFH helicopters from its Venice – Tessera facility, provision of a comprehensive support package, simulators, systems and training services for crews and technicians involved in maintenance.
In addition, Leonardo supplies, contributes to or supports the integration of various equipment, avionics systems and sensors including its LEOSS-T HD electro-optical system, video and identification systems, HD displays for the mission consoles installed in the cabin. Airbus Helicopters is responsible for the final assembly of the 16 NH90 TTHs.
