The NH90 multirole helicopter program, long beleaguered by canceled orders, delivery delays, and high operational costs, is positioned for a promising future, according to Axel Aloccio, CEO of NHIndustries (NHI). Presenting at an Airbus Helicopters press day in Marignane, France, Aloccio outlined plans for a Block 2 upgrade, new commercial sales opportunities, improved fleet availability rates, supply chain enhancements, and more efficient maintenance processes.
A New Vision for NH90
Despite its rocky history, which includes significant reputational damage due to operational shortcomings, Aloccio stated that he expects the NH90 program to endure for „at least another 50 to 60 years.” He emphasized that this outlook is based on substantial investment from customers in the rotorcraft, calling the upcoming period „a very exciting time.”
Discussing potential advancements, Aloccio mentioned ongoing conversations with current NH90 customers regarding the Block 2 upgrade, which aims to enhance capabilities such as increased payload, improved airframe performance, and the integration of manned-unmanned teaming technologies. „There’s still some juice left in the airframe, in the engine, dynamic components,” he noted.
In June, Belgium, Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands committed to the NH90’s Software Release 3 upgrade, which aims to integrate advanced technology such as the new Link 22 datalink and Leonardo’s LEOSS-T Electro-Optical gimbal, among other upgrades.
Pursuing Commercial Opportunities
Aloccio also revealed that NHI is eyeing „lots of commercial opportunities,” estimating potential contracts for “50 to 100” aircraft, including a recent commitment from the Netherlands for additional NH90s. Interest from several Middle Eastern nations further underscores the potential for growth in this sector.
Addressing Supply Chain Challenges
Acknowledging past supply chain struggles, Aloccio explained that there has been a renewed understanding of the urgency needed to deliver parts and resupply critical components. NHI has initiated individual action plans for suppliers to address these issues, focusing on improving availability rates.
The company has already increased the speed of deliveries for critical supply items—known as the Priority Item List (PIL)—by 15% last year and aims for an additional increase of 15-20% by the end of this year. Key components affected by supply chain issues include main gearboxes, blades, mission equipment, and cargo hooks.
Legal Battles and Program Withdrawals
The NH90 program’s troubles are further compounded by legal disputes. Following Norway’s cancellation of its NH90 fleet—reportedly due to it not meeting operational requirements—Aloccio confirmed that mediation efforts between NHI and Norway had failed, leading to legal proceedings. A court in Oslo is set to begin hearings on the case next year, where claims from both parties will be adjudicated.
Norway’s fleet of 14 NH90 helicopters has remained inactive since the cancellation decision, and they are presently in storage. Simultaneously, Australia has initiated a buyback plan for 4,000 MRH-90 Taipan (NH90 TTH) parts valued at €250 million ($273 million), a response to its decision to retire the aircraft prematurely after safety concerns arose.
In contrast, Aloccio reported improvements in Sweden’s NH90 fleet, citing a significant increase in flight hours. However, there is currently no indication that Stockholm plans to reverse its decision to withdraw from the program in favor of acquiring 12 Lockheed Martin UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters.
Conclusion
The NH90 program is at a critical juncture, with fresh strategies aimed at revitalizing its future. Despite substantial challenges, such as legal disputes and the withdrawal of several nations, NHI is optimistic about the road ahead, focusing on upgrades, commercial opportunities, and enhanced supply chain operations. The coming years will be pivotal in determining whether the NH90 can achieve the long-term success that its leadership envisions.
