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NH90 Helicopter

Our Royal New Zealand Air Force has eight NH90 helicopters in its fleet, which are operated by No. 3 Squadron and have been in full service since 2015. They are a twin engine medium utility helicopter featuring a fly-by-wire flight control system, full ice protection system, and fibre-glass composite structure.

An NH90 helicopter flies in the sky with the helicopter loadmaster looking out the door to check the ground before landing. The sun is streaming behind the helicopter and cloud behind it.

The NH90's central role is to provide tactical air mobility operations for our Defence Force. This includes support to special operations, casualty evacuation, and movement of troops and equipment. Additionally, the NH90 provides a range of support services to government agencies including search and rescue, police operations, disaster relief, and counter-terrorism response.   

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NH90 helicopter video

Specifications

Aircraft

NH90 

Manufacturer

NATO Helicopter Industries (NHI) 

Power plant

2 x Rolls-Royce Turbomecca RTM 322 turbine engines (2,227 SHP each)

Length

19.6m 

Rotor diameter

16.3m

Height

5.9m 

Max weight

11,000kg 

OPERAtional underslung load

Over 2,000kg (minimum crew and fuel)

Fuel

Main internal tanks - 2000kg (main internal tanks) 

Auxiliary tanks - two 500kg external fuel tanks and one 400kg internal tank

max cruise speed

285 kph

normal Range

680km (380nm) with internal fuel

normal Endurance

4.0 hours on internal fuel

standard Crew

Two pilots and two helicopter loadmasters 

Armament

Two pintle mounted 7.62mm MAG 58 Machine Guns

protection

Ballistic floor protection and full Electronic Warfare Self Protection System

Seating

Up to 18 passengers