Delivery of last NH90

The Royal New Zealand Air Force has welcomed the delivery of its last NH90 helicopter at Base Ohakea.

The arrival brings the total number of NH90 helicopters in the fleet to eight.


An NH90 helicopter being unloaded at Ohakea.

The NH90 is an advanced medium utility helicopter capable of undertaking a variety of roles including: search and rescue, disaster relief, transporting soldiers and aerial lifting of cargo and supplies.

Chief of Air Force, Air Vice-Marshal Mike Yardley says the NH90 helicopter is a significant step-up from the Iroquois helicopters the Air Force has used for many years.

'The NH90 are highly capable helicopters and we've been flying them on sortees for the past year. Most notably, the NH90 assisted with the Pike River re-entry in October 2013 by removing 35 tonnes of debris from the mine's ventilation shaft.

'NH90s have a significantly long range and endurance, and they can lift up to 3,200kgs of cargo. They are also versatile and can be deployed in many environments such as landing in snow or being embarked on a Royal New Zealand Navy vessel.

'The Air Force undertakes a lot of work with NZ Police, Customs, MPI and MFAT. NH90 helicopters provide us with an excellent asset capable of assisting in keeping New Zealanders safe,” adds Mike.

The NH90s were recently in Nelson and Marlborough as part of annual alpine flying training and they will be involved in Exercise Kiwi Koru in the Taranaki region in November.

You may also like....

3 comments

Rastus

Posted on 01-11-2014 12:31 | By rastus

How strange that the actual maker and country of manufacture is not noted in the text - just NH90!!!


made here

Posted on 01-11-2014 13:02 | By hapukafin

does a comment on where they are made really matter ,its been reported many times before.European if you must know.


delivery

Posted on 01-11-2014 13:08 | By hapukafin

the Antonov is only chartered by the makers to deliver them


Leave a Comment


You must be logged in to make a comment.