Spanish Navy Welcomes NH90MSPT Helicopter for Evaluation

The first NH90 helicopter of the tactical transport version for the Navy has arrived in Spain for flight trials. The aircraft has been at the Airbus Helicopters plant in Albacete since last week where it landed from the company's facilities in Germany.

At the Albacete , this first unit of a batch of seven NH90MSPT (Maritime Spanish Tactical Transport Helicopter) helicopters will undergo certification and qualification tests, with the aim of final delivery to the Navy in 2025.

The NH90 MSPT, which will operate from next year at the 14 Escuadrilla , at the Rota Naval base, features a new reinforced landing gear and a maximum takeoff weight of up to 11 tons.

The helicopter, designed for tactical transport missions and amphibious assault, integrates an Automatic Identification System (AIS) for ship/helicopter tracking and an automatic blade and tail folding system to minimize time on deck on ships and enhance onboard technician safety.

It also includes a fifth electro-hydraulic pump and a new Exhaust Gases Device (EGD) deflector and attenuator for the engine exhaust gases, enabling complete automatic blade folding and eliminating mechanical interference. Additionally, the helicopter incorporates a floating impact beacon capable of GPS-emitting the collision point coordinates.

Armada Española (Navy) will receive between 2025 and 2026 seven NH90 MSPT helicopters to replace the retired SH3D Sea Kings and the AB-212, which will reach the end of their operational life in mid-2024. While awaiting the NH90s, the Navy has opted for the SH-60F as an interim solution.

On the other hand, the reliability of NH90 helicopters is being called into question. The naval version of the NH90 is facing strong criticism. Australia has just retired its fleet of 47 units from the Australian Army. Norway, Sweden, and Belgium have also announced the withdrawal of their fleets of this model after making significant investments. The largest users, France and Germany, are also experiencing major issues. Apparently, the manufacturer Airbus is also unable to ensure the supply chain of spare parts. Other users such as New Zealand or Spain have not reported major issues to date. In Spain, it is being used as tactical transport in the Army, and as a SAR helicopter in the Air Force, where it has not yet reached full operational capability.

Australia's NH90 Helicopters Meet Their End: Buried and Forgotten

Recently, the Australian Army has been getting rid of its old NHIndustries NH-90 Tactical Transport Helicopters by wrecking and burying them. Now, Ukraine has asked for whatever is left of these helicopters.

Reports that the Australian Army was deliberately scrapping its troublesome NH-90 Tactical Transport Helicopters have been confirmed.

Imagery and video have of at least six of the already wrecked-beyond-recovery NH-90 airframes, which have been stripped, before being dumped at an Australian Army compound at Royal Australian Air Force base Amberley, Queensland.

The disposal of the airframes has been further confirmed by the Australian Department of Defense, responding to media information requests with a standardized statement, “Defense is working with Airbus Australia Pacific and NATO Helicopter Industries (...)to harvest key spares from the MRH-90 (...) fleet for use of other NH-90 operators. (...)”

Deliberately destroying a billion-dollar aircraft fleet is not a standard operational procedure for the Australian Defense Force, although there is a precedent. The Australian military traditionally places retired aircraft, like its recently withdrawn from service F/A-18A/B+ Hornet and older C-130H Hercules fleet, in contractor-maintained preservation storage until approved buyers can be found through the Australian Defense Force Export Office, Australia’s equivalent of the U.S. State Department’s Defense Security Cooperation Agency. 

The relatively new NH-90 TTH, the Australian Defense Force has taken a much more radical approach.  The MRH-90 fleet was immediately grounded after a tragic accident in Queensland, and a decision to replace them with Black Hawk helicopters was made. The  disposal strategy for the MRH-90s, started inmediatly by contacting other users of the helicopter to see if anyone was interested in buying the airframes. No interest was shown, and negotiations began with Airbus to see if there were any potential new customers interested in buying the airframes, without any success. As a result, the Ministry of Defense made the decision to initiate the disposal process, aiming for the best value for money for taxpayers, which involved disassembling and selling the spare parts.

Cannibalization and disposal of the Australian Army’s NH-90 fleet had been conducted covertly since October, with almost no public discussion until the Ukrainian government made a formal request.

Australian government formally rejected its request for the helicopters on January 16 after enduring another embarrassing social media battle with Ukraine’s online supporters. 

The decision to reject Ukraine's request was based on the fact that it would require significant taxpayers' money and time to get those aircraft back into flying conditions, and the crash investigations are still ongoing to determine the cause of the tragic accident in Queensland. It would be irresponsible to proceed with this transfer.

The Australia’s demolition of its NH-90 TTH fleet had progressed too far to even consider the option of donation to Ukraine’s war effort.

Reports that Australia has given its close Anzac partner the Royal New Zealand Air Force some of the salvaged NH-90 components to support its small fleet of nine NH-90 TTHs may well prove true, Australia and New Zealand have a long history of military cooperation, spanning over 120 years. However, neither country has confirmed any transfer of NH-90-related systems or materials.

The Australian Defense Force decided to dismantle and destroy its NH-90 TTH fleet after a series of incidents, including a fatal accident that claimed the lives of four aircrew members during a joint exercise with the U.S. Army in July 2023. Only one out of the 44 flyable NH-90s has been sold, while the remaining 43, along with two non-airworthy airframes, are being cannibalized and destroyed. The exact number already dismantled is undisclosed, but the destruction process is ongoing, as confirmed by Minister of Defense Industry Pat Conroy.

Last year, at least six of the 40 former Australian Army NH-90s were destroyed before contractors, previously tasked with maintaining the fleet, were laid off on December 31. The wreckage was transported from Airbus Australia Pacific's facility at Brisbane Airport to RAAF Amberley, where the stripped airframes were dumped at a military facility. Additional NH-90 airframes designated for destruction were stored at three other locations: some at the Australian Army Aviation's 6th Aviation Regiment headquarters, others at the Army School of Aviation, and the rest at the Maintenance Storage and Transition facility at RAAF Townsville.

The entire Australian Army NH-90 fleet is being gradually transported to final locations for stripping and destruction because a permanent flight ban prevents them from being flown directly to disposal sites like Airbus Australia Pacific. The decision to scrap the fleet was made by the government before the fleet was permanently grounded on September 29, 2023, by Australian Minister of Defense Richard Marles. The exact value of the helicopters being scrapped is hard to determine, but the initial acquisition program, Project Air 9000, was budgeted at $3.5 billion Australian dollars. Additional funds were spent on maintenance and attempts to fix technical issues after the helicopters entered service in November 2007.

Recent reports from the aviation industry estimate that each relatively low-hour NH-90 airframe is worth around $13.5 million USD on the international market, reflecting the helicopter's troubled operational history and numerous groundings.

Only one airframe, A40-047, will survive the fleet's destruction. It was part of a settlement between the Australian Government and NHIndustries due to design and reliability issues experienced during the NH-90's introduction into service. This airframe, with only around 500 flight hours, has been sold back to NHIndustries in Europe for use in their training and testing fleet.

Three other Australian NH-90s were lost or damaged beyond repair during their service: A40-014 during bushfire response operations in 2020, A40-025 after an engine failure during training exercises in 2023, and A40-040 in a fatal crash in 2023 during Exercise Talisman Sabre, resulting in the deaths of four aircrew members.

The Australian Defense Force's frustration with the NH-90, stemming from years of low availability, frequent groundings, cost overruns, and technical issues, led to the decision to replace the helicopters with new UH-60M Black Hawks by December 2024. Design shortcomings, including issues with floors and cargo bay doors, further hindered the NH-90's combat readiness.

The Australian Department of Defense is salvaging important parts from the NH-90 fleet before destroying them, as some subsystems are in high demand. This task requires careful oversight to maintain relevant certification documentation while salvaging parts.

The decision to dispose of the stripped NH-90 airframes, reportedly by burial at a secure site, aims to reduce the risk of environmental contamination from the carbon composite airframes, which can release highly toxic particles if left to decay or burned.

The disposal of the Australian Army's NH-90 fleet comes after the Royal Australian Navy Fleet Air Arm, which operated six NH-90s, abandoned the type in April 2022. They opted for more MH-60R Romeos after the NH-90 failed to meet critical requirements despite seven years of effort.

The Australian Defense Force is not alone in seeking to divest itself of the problematic NH-90 helicopter. The Norwegian, Belgian, and Swedish militaries are also replacing all or part of their NH-90 fleets.

While unusual, Australia has prior experience burying decommissioned combat equipment, such as the F-111C and F-111G airframes retired from RAAF service in 2010. This was done to uphold a 1960s agreement with the U.S. government, preventing transfer of the nuclear-capable aircraft to third nations.

However, disposing of the NH-90 helicopters hasn't resolved the Australian Army's helicopter challenges. Delays in introducing the replacement fleet of 40 UH-60M Black Hawks mean reliance on 14 CH-47F Chinooks and a few leased AW139 helicopters.

Currently, the Army's five operational helicopter squadrons are down to one CH-47F Chinook unit and a small fleet of AW139s based in Townsville.

Three new UH-60M Black Hawks have arrived in Sydney and are undergoing validation and verification to ensure they meet Special Operations Aviation Support requirements.

By mid-2025, Australian Army Aviation plans to have three aviation regiments and a comprehensive Army School of Aviation. This includes transitioning the 1st Aviation Regiment to RAAF Townsville and establishing the 5th Aviation Regiment at Swartz Barracks in Oakey. The 6th Aviation Regiment will operate from Holsworthy Barracks in Sydney.

In three years, the Australian Defense Force will operate an all-American helicopter fleet, including Apaches, Black Hawks, Chinooks, and Seahawks.

Ukraine urges Australia to transfer its retired MRH-90 helicopters instead of scrapping them

Ukrainian military officials are increasing pressure on the Australian government, urging a reconsideration of its decision to decommission the retired MRH-90 'Taipan' helicopters instead of dispatching them to Ukraine for wartime use. The controversy revolves around the fate of 45 MRH-90s, which were grounded following a fatal crash in July 2023 and are scheduled for disassembly and burial.

In December, Ukraine, grappling with Russian air superiority, officially requested the Australian MRH-90 Taipans, asserting their critical role in fortifying their defense. The Australian government, however, remains steadfast in its position, citing safety concerns.

Critics are questioning the Australian government's rationale, asserting the complete air superiority of the Russian Federation over Ukraine. They argue that the 45 Taipan helicopters could significantly contribute to the Ukrainian front line, aiding in the fight for freedom and democracy.

Some reports supporting the Ukrainian cause suggest that safety issues with the MRH-90 'Taipans' may not be as severe as initially depicted. Investigations into the incidents leading to the MRH-90 retirement revealed connections with other incidents, raising questions about whether concerns are solely safety-related or influenced by other factors.

Despite the controversy, the Australian government maintains its commitment to supporting Ukraine through alternative means. Australia stands as one of the largest non-NATO contributors to the war effort in Ukraine, contributing approximately 910 million AUSD and deploying 370 troops for training purposes.

The controversy is expected to persist as the Ukrainian community intensifies its campaign. Through a rally in Sydney on January 14, they aim to sway public opinion and exert pressure on the government to reconsider. Ultimately, the decision lies with the Australian government, which must carefully weigh the risks and benefits of sending the Taipans against its commitment to supporting Ukraine in its struggle against Russia.

Maiden Flight of Spanish Navy's NH90 Tactical Transport Helicopter

On December 15, the first NH90 assigned to Armada Española (Spanish Navy) made its maiden flight at the Airbus Helicopters facilities in Donauworth, Germany. This MSPT version (Maritime Transport Spain) will primarily focus on transport and amphibious assault functions.

Delivery to Armada Española is expected in May 2025, once all systems are certified, and the assigned personnel complete their training. Given that it's a new and more advanced model, this process will take approximately a year.

These helicopters, along with others of the same version, will be assigned to the newly established 14 Escuadrilla, which will operate seven NH90s. It is expected that all of these will be delivered by the end of 2026.

This milestone for the Navy occurred days after two Airbus Helicopters H135s arrived at the Rota naval base from the Albacete factory.

The NH90s will replace the Sikorsky SH-60F, used as a temporary solution, as well as the Sikorsky SH-3D of the Fifth Squadron, retired in 2022, and the Agusta Bell AB-212 of the Third Squadron, scheduled for retirement in July 2024.

The construction of these initial seven NH90s for the Navy will take place at Airbus Helicopters facilities in Donauworth. The rear fuselage will be assembled in Albacete, then sent to Germany for final assembly of the helicopters. After testing in Germany, the helicopters will be transferred to Albacete for final certification, mission system installation, and delivery to the Navy.

In Rota, facilities used by the Sixth Squadron will be demolished to build a new hangar for the NH90s.

The NH90 MSPT incorporates improvements such as an automatic folding system for the rotor blades and rear fuselage, a new exhaust gas outlet system, transmission, engine management, AIS location system, and increased takeoff capacity. Additionally, it will be equipped with a floating beacon to emit GPS signals in case of an accident.

In summary, these NH90 MSPT helicopters, intended for the Spanish Navy, represent a new era in transport and amphibious assault capabilities, marking a significant technological advancement for Spain's maritime operations.

Spain orders Brimstone missiles and naval helicopters for 2023

The Spanish Ministry of Defense plans on awarding production contracts to industry for Brimstone air-to-surface missiles and new naval helicopters in 2023.

An acquisition to replace Spanish Navy SH-60B rotorcraft has already received interest from Airbus, offering an adapted NH90 Sea Lion helicopter, which is already in service with Germany.

The Brimstone missile will eventually be equipped on Spanish Air Force Eurofighter Typhoons, adding to an existing arsenal that includes GBU-10 and GBU-16 Paveway bombs, AIM-120B AMRAAM, Meteor and IRIS-T munitions.

“Hopefully, by the end of next year we will be able to carry Brimstone, which Spain is acquiring,” said Lt. Col. Jesus Salazar Ortiz de Landazuri, 14th Wing Air Group Commander, during the annual Airbus Trade Media Briefing.

The acquisition is expected to be supported by the UK’s Royal Air Force, as the weapon was originally developed for that service.

After a contract has been signed with European missile manufacturer MBDA, Spain’s Weapons and Experimentation Logistics Center (CLAEX) will then work on acquiring an initial implementation certification.

Spanish Air Force Eurofighter fleets from the 11th Fighter Wing at Morón Air Base, Seville and the 14th Tactical Fighter Wing at Albacete Air Base, Castile-La Mancha will both receive the weapon.

As plans currently stand, the 20 Eurofighters under order from Airbus as part of the €2 billion Halcon program designed to replace Spanish Air Force F-18s based on the Canary Islands, will not be equipped with the missile.

Meanwhile, as the Spanish Navy readies to replace Sikorsky SH-60B helicopters, a selection decision should be made in 2023.

breakingdefense 

Egypt reportedly orders AW149 helicopters instead of NH90

Egypt is believed to have ordered AW149 helicopters to use aboard its naval vessels, choosing the Leonardo Helicopters product over the competing NH90.
According to France’s La Tribune, Egypt informed France last week that it had chosen the AW149, with the order believed to cover around 20 helicopters. Leonardo has neither confirmed nor denied the contract.
France was hoping to sell the NH90 to Egypt after a string of sales that has included 24 Rafale fighter jets, two Mistral class landing helicopter docks (LHDs) and four Gowind class corvettes since 2014.
Egypt was looking at acquiring 20-30 NH90 for use aboard its naval vessels but it will also fly the AW149 on land-based troop transport and search and rescue missions.
defenceweb

Italy will cut €450 from its planned defense spending in 2019, F-35 purchases 'slowed'

Italy will cut €450 million (U.S. $512.3 million) from its planned defense spending in 2019 by suspending helicopter and missile purchases and canceling an office move by the defense ministry to help shore up social welfare and tax cuts, a defense source has told Defense News.
Italy’s total outlay on defense in 2019 will be announced in parliament in the next few days, as Rome’s populist government seeks support by members of parliament for its state budget, which contains billions of euros for a new wage for the unemployed.
To free up funds to cover spending, Rome has made its cut to the defense budget, just as most European states are increasing their military outlay.
During 2019 all ongoing purchases of NH-90 helicopters for the Italian Army and Navy will be suspended, the source said.
The source added that F-35 purchases would be “slowed” in order to spread out payments. Italy is currently planning to buy 90 aircraft.
defensenews

NH90 QATAR SALE CONTRACT NOW EFFECTIVE

Leonardo announces that it has made effective the contract, signed on March 14, 2018, for the supply of 28 NH90 medium twin-engine multirole military helicopters to the Ministry of Defense of Qatar and has therefore booked the order in its backlog and received the advance payment relating to the contract. Leonardo acts as overall prime contractor with responsibility for the management of the entire programme valued at more than €3 billion to the NHI consortium.
leonardocompany

Qatar Signs Deal For 28 NH90

Qatar has signed a €3 billion (U.S. $3.7 billion) deal to buy 28 NH90 helicopters.
The deal, covers 16 NH90s in a tactical transport configuration and 12 NH90s in a naval configuration.
Qatar also ordered 16 H125 light single-engine helicopters in a training configuration.
Italy’s Leonardo, a partner in the European NHIndustries consortium, which builds the NH90, will act as prime contractor on the NH90 deal and will handle final assembly and delivery of the 12 naval helicopters from its Venice–Tessera facility in northern Italy.
Consortium partner Airbus will handle final assembly and delivery of 16 tactical transport variants from its facility in Marignane, France.
defensenews

Second NH90 Sea Lion Helicopter for German Navy helicopter takes off

NH Industries on 24 November performed the maiden flight of the second prototype of the NH90 Sea Lion being developed for the German navy.
The milestone comes about a year after the initial flight-test vehicle took off from the Donauwörth facility of NHI consortium member Airbus Helicopters.
A phase of development testing focused on avionics and software will now take place, lasting several months.
Further modifications to the aircraft will take place in 2018, says Airbus Helicopters, bringing it to the delivery standard before further qualification testing.
The initial serial production aircraft is now in final assembly, ahead of first delivery scheduled for late 2019.
Germany has ordered 18 Sea Lions to replace its navy's fleet of aged Westland Sea King 41s.
flightglobal

Spain's FAMET Receives 2nd NH90

Spain took delivery of its second NH90 TTH. This helicopter was produced in Albacette.
nhindustries

Egypt, France In Discussions Over NH90 Helicopter Buy

Negotiations were at an advanced stage as of October 1 between France, and Egypt for the sale of a significant number of NH90 medium helicopters. The order would be a follow-on to recent sales of French armament to the Arab country, especially corvettes, frigates and landing ships—all compatible with the NH90.
Egypt has not issued any formal request for proposals for the multi-role helicopter.
Saudi Arabia is believed to be funding Egypt’s latest weapons purchases.
Egypt may choose between the tactical transport (TTH) and naval (NFH) versions of the NH90, or a mix of the two. The NFH can operate from Gowind-class corvettes or FREMM frigates, and both variants can be based on a Mistral-class landing ship.
Russian candidates like the Kamov Ka-27/29 and the Mi-17 are seen as relatively old technology or not fit for operations aboard ships. Egypt recently ordered Ka-52 attack helicopters, also believed to be intended for use on landing ships. In addition to protecting the Suez Canal, the newly purchased helicopters may help the country support Saudi Arabia’s military campaign in Yemen.
Late last month, the French Navy took delivery of its 15th NH90 naval variant, the first to be delivered in final radar configuration.
ainonline

Finland receives final NH90 helicopter

Finland received into service the last of its 20 NH90 helicopters.
The helicopter was handed over to the Finnish Defence Forces during a ceremony at Patria's domestic production facility.
Finland signed its contract for the 20 NH90 TTH helicopters in 2001, as a part of a common acquisition programme with Sweden and Norway to replace its ageing fleet of Mil Mi-8 'Hip' transport helicopters.
The first helicopter for Finland made its maiden flight, in 2004. Deliveries were due to be complete in 2010, but were set back by programmatic delays.
janes

Sweden To Get 1st ASW NH90 Helicopter in Fall

After much delay, Sweden is due to receive its first NH90 helicopter for anti-submarine warfare this autumn, with final operating capability achieved within three to five years thanks to a full delivery of five aircraft.
"We have not been pleased with this program, it is very late," said Swedish procurement chief Lena Erixon. "With what is happening in the Baltic, it is very important," she added.
An unidentified submarine, possibly Russian, was spotted in the Stockholm archipelago in October last year, in violation of Swedish territory.
The new ASW NH90, part of a larger order of 18 of the helicopters by Sweden, will be equipped with a new light torpedo, which will also equip Swedish submarines.
defensenews

France to modify NH90 for special forces sooner than expected

France's special forces are poised to begin operating the NH90 Caïman sooner than expected, after the helicopter proved itself during Operation 'Barkhane' in Mali.
The 4ème RHFS is expected to customise the NH90 for the special forces role, and the familiarisation will play a key role in shaping their requirements. It is expected that the 4ème RHFS will want to add another electro-optic/infrared (EO/IR) system for observation, a datalink, and a rope system for extraction. A basic set of requirements for customising the NH90 to special forces' needs could be written before the year's end.
Compared with the H225 Caracal, the NH90 offers better range and speed.
Initial operational capability on the NH90 was declared before the 1er Régiment d'Hélicoptères de Combat (RHC) deployed to Mali in November 2014, although full operational capability will not be announced before mid-2016.
Within a few months, the Malian theatre should receive a third NH90 and a plan exists to send a fourth one in due course. Fifteen have been delivered so far, as the availability of the airframes is not an issue, but the French Army Light Aviation (ALAT) is struggling to train more crew and maintenance specialists.
janes

Airbus Unveils New Helo at Paris Air Show

Airbus has given details of plans to develop a new heavy helicopter, known as the X6, which it believes will become a successor to its NH90 and H225 helicopters with military customers in 15 years time.
The 19-passenger, 10-ton-plus helicopter will go through a "concept phase" over the next two years before full development starts.
The helicopter will be initially conceived for oil and gas customers, and will feature fly-by wire controls, a first for a civil helicopter.
The firm would be keeping its NH90 and H225 on the market for the next 15 years, with the aim of bringing the X6 on the market after that, he said.
defensenews

Belgian NH90s reach initial operational capability

Belgium's NH90 multirole helicopters have declared their initial operating capability.
The 18th Squadron in Beauvechain is now ready for operations in a non-hostile environment. This includes the capability to transport ground units and heavy equipment weighing up to four tonnes and to perform evacuations.
Full operational capability, including flying in a hostile environment should be achieved at the end of 2016. Belgium has received four NH90 troop transport helicopters and four NH90 NATO Frigate Helicopters.
janes

France Boosts Defence Spending to Buy C-130J, NH90, Tiger Helicopters and A330 MRTT

France has set aside an extra €1.5 billion to acquire additional equipment, including the C-130 Hercules, and maintain weapon systems over the next four years, reflecting the intense operations of the armed forces in sub-Saharan Africa.
Of that €1.5 billion, an estimated €330 million has been set aside for a planned acquisition of four Hercules C-130 transport planes, of which two would be armed with the Griffin missile and two would be equipped for inflight refueling of helicopters.
The French Air Force and special forces are keen to acquire the US aircraft, needed to plug a gap left by the late delivery of the Airbus A400M transport. The cargo planes are particularly needed to support troops in the sub-Saharan, or Sahel, campaign against Islamic insurgents.
Procurement officials will order a further seven Tiger attack helicopters, lifting the order to Airbus Helicopters to 67. The delivery of six NH90 transport helicopters also will be accelerated. These orders are tied to Sahel campaign needs.
Delivery for the last three of a total fleet of 12 Airbus A330 multirole tanker transport aircraft will be accelerated, with deliveries due between 2018 and 2025.
defensenews

Royal New Zealand Air Force To Retire UH-1H Iruquois next July

The Royal New Zealand Air Force’s fleet of Iroquois helicopters has provided almost 50 years of service to New Zealand and has been a stalwart of Defence Force operations since its purchase. The Iroquois is scheduled to cease flying operations with the Air Force on 01 July 2015. Ahead of this withdrawal from service, No.3 Squadron from Ohakea who fly the Iroquois are making various stops around New Zealand in May.
The Iroquois is being replaced by the NH90 helicopter.
The RNZAF UH-1H Iroquois were first brought into service in 1966, two of the aircraft have been donated to the air force Museum, while an airframe will be donated to the Waiouru Army Museum for public display. Another airframe will be loaned to the Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology for training technicians. Ten airframes would be sold by tender for commercial use after they had cleared US State Department approvals as ex-US military technology.
defense-studies

Spain To Decrease Military Helicopter Types from 14 to 4

A new helicopter master plan drawn up by the Spanish Ministry of Defence (MdD) envisages the number of different models used by the services being reduced from the current 14 to four by 2040.
Three will be from Airbus Helicopters - the NH90, the H135 (formerly EC135), and the Tiger - while the fourth will be the Boeing Chinook, which will need to be upgraded.
One of the key elements will be the navy version of the NH90, for which the Armada is seeking two variants - one a maritime transport which is not yet available, plus another for anti-submarine operations.
The Hughes 500 is due to be stood down by the Armada from 2018, to be replaced by the H135, while the Sikorsky SH-3 Sea Kings will be modernised to keep them active until the arrival of the hoped-for transport replacement.
The current modernisation programme for the Agusta-Bell AB212 will enable these to keep flying until at least 2030 from the corvette-style Buque de Acción Marítima (BAMs), while the army version of the aircraft is due to be retired by 2017.
As for the army's attack helicopters, the plan says the programme to begin phasing out the MBB Bo-105 will start soon. Now the decision has been taken that the six HAP versions of its replacement, the Tiger, will not be upgraded to the HAD-E Spanish version, from around 2027 onwards the army's airmobile forces (FAMET) will operate just 18 of the latter.
In the case of the Chinook, the MdD's aim is to upgrade from the CH-47D to CH-47F versions, with a programme office being set up to handle the proposed purchase from the United States.
The training helicopters, the Airbus H120 and the Sikorsky S-76C, are due to be taken out of service from around 2027, with the replacement almost certain to be the H135. The recent reductions in the NH90 programme will also mean modernisation programmes will be needed for the army's Airbus Super Puma and Cougar.
janes