“Sea Tiger” sharpens its claws: the German Navy is betting on the latest NH90 Sea Tiger helicopter

Airbus Helicopters' NH90 Sea Tiger helicopter has completed 11 months of flight testing, paving the way for its delivery to the German Navy late next year.

The phase included various operational scenarios and tests of the aircraft's mission system, including sonar, electro-optical surveillance and targeting systems, and weapons.

«Overall, over 140 flight hours have been logged over the past 11 months, and all of the helicopter's capabilities have been confirmed», — Airbus Helicopters explained the progress of the tests.

According to the authors of the Defense Post, in 2020 Germany ordered 31 NH90 Sea Tiger helicopters. The contract value was €2.7 billion ($2.89 billion). The ordered helicopters will be based on the frigates of the German Navy, thereby replacing the Sea Lynx Mk88A helicopters that entered service in 1981.

Currently, the German Navy already operates 18 NH90 Sea Lion military transport helicopters, the delivery of which was carried out from 2019 to 2023.

Sea Tiger — the newest version of NATO's carrier-based helicopter, designed specifically for the needs of the German Navy. The helicopter is designed to fight enemy submarines and surface ships.

The distinctive features of the machine are a new electro-optical system and improved electronic support measures, as well as a submersible sonar, sonar buoys and armament presented missiles and torpedoes.

In addition to anti-submarine warfare, additional missions of the NH90 Sea Tiger helicopters include reconnaissance, search and rescue, and the transportation of personnel and cargo.

Experts from the defense portal Army Recognition recalled that the NH90, which was also described in detail in one of our agency's publications, — is a medium-sized twin-engine multi-purpose military helicopter, developed in accordance with NATO requirements for a universal and modern helicopter.

It is manufactured by NHIndustries, a consortium of Airbus Helicopters, Leonardo Helicopters and Fokker Aerostructures. Designed for both land and maritime operations, the NH90 is available in two main variants: the Tactical Transport Helicopter (TTH), designed for military missions such as troop and equipment transport, medical evacuation and utility tasks, and the NATO Frigate Helicopter (NFH), optimized for naval applications including anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare, search and rescue, and maritime surveillance.

A defining feature of the NH90 is its all-wire flight control system, the first of its kind on a production helicopter. This technology improves flight stability and reduces the load on the pilot.

The airframe is built with extensive use of composite materials, which provides a lighter and stronger structure with reduced radar signature. Its spacious cabin accommodates up to 20 fully equipped soldiers or 12 medical evacuation stretchers.

Since entering service in 2007, the NH90 has entered service in many countries, including Belgium, Germany, France, Italy and the Netherlands. By the beginning of 2023, more than 500 units of aircraft with a flight of more than 400,000 were delivered. hours.

Despite the advanced design, the helicopter development program faced some challenges, including technical problems and concerns about maintenance and operating costs.< /p>

In response, NHIndustries introduced modernization programs to improve the helicopter's performance and reliability. A recent  €600 million contract with NATO Helicopter Management Agency highlights ongoing efforts to modernize the NH90 and extend its service life.

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