Retrofit Kit Solution Also Available For Combat SAR
Missions
Eurocopter will be presenting an NH90 in the Forward Air MedEvac
(Medical Evacuation) configuration for the first time at ILA 2010
in Berlin. Designed to meet the future needs of the German Armed
Forces, this configuration of the world's most advanced multirole
military helicopter is the company's response to an initiative by
the German Federal Ministry of Defence to increase availability of
protected NH90 transport capability for wounded personnel. The
requirement amounts to twelve helicopters.
NH90 MedEvac Interior
The main goal of this retrofit measure is to enable NH90
operators to carry out missions over any terrain, day or night,
under all weather and visual flight conditions, irrespective of the
threat scenario. Eurocopter ensures that the proposed solution
fully meets the military's operational requirements and that the
project can be completed within 20 months.
To reduce the approval procedure to a minimum, part of the
development work originally planned for the Final Operational
Configuration (FOC) NH90 has been moved forward, including the MG-3
parts kit and anti-ballistic protection. Already-existing NH90
systems such as electronic countermeasures, helmet-mounted display
for low-altitude night flight, and secure voice communications will
be adapted to the new mission requirements. The helicopter will be
equipped with two intensive care bays for treating wounded
personnel, and seats for the medical team. The Medical Service of
the German Army was consulted and its experience taken into account
in the design and layout of the working areas.
Eurocopter NH90 File Photo
The systems selected for this configuration ensure rapid
helicopter availability, optimized compatibility with the current
NH90 program, and full operational capability for the transport of
wounded personnel.
Kit solution also possible for Combat SAR missions
Eurocopter NH90 First Flight
Eurocopter offers a similar mission package as a retrofit for
the TTH (Tactical Transport Helicopter) variant of the NH90 for
Combat Search-And-Rescue (CSAR) and personnel recovery missions,
i.e. saving the wounded from combat zones. Options for the CSAR
variant include up to three machine guns (one on each side door and
one on the tail ramp), anti-ballistic protection, a rappel system,
a double rescue hoist, an emergency flotation system, sand filters,
an obstacle warning system and ECM self-protection. The NH90 has a
standard range of approximately 200 nautical miles, which is
sufficient to reach 94 percent of all mission targets. The range
can be increased to up to 300 nautical miles by adding internal
and/or external auxiliary tanks. The in-flight refueling capability
of the helicopter means it can also be deployed far beyond these
distances.