New Zealand Selects NH90 Helicopter

Released on Tuesday, April 05, 2005

The New Zealand government has selected the NH Industries' NH90 helicopter to replace the aging fleet of Iroquois helicopters within the New Zealand Air Force (NZAF). The number of helicopters, the cost and the date of delivery have not been concluded yet and are pending of further negotiations between NH Industries and New Zealand.

The New Zealand's decision has been influenced by the purchase of 12 NH90 helicopters by Australia. By the way, New Zealand expects to achieve improved interoperability with coalition partners. Basically, these helicopters will be employed in support of land forces and other agencies.

The twin-engine NH90 helicopter has already been selected by 11 countries worldwide in addition to its newest operator, New Zealand. The Sultanate of Oman selected 20 NH90s in July 2004 and Australia 12 in August 2004. These two countries demonstrated the NH90 as a big success being the first out of area operators for an aircraft which was originally designed for European customers.

EADS/Eurocopter, a key member of NH Industries, claims NH90 is the world's most sophisticated multi-role helicopter. It integrates fly-by-wire technology and extensive use of composites minimizing corrosion effects and maximizing life cycle and survivability. Its operational flexibility makes the NH 90 helicopter suitable for a wide range of missions such as tactical troops transport, amphibious operations, search and rescue and counter-terrorism.