The Swedish Navy has received the first NH90 transport helicopter designed for anti-submarine warfare (ASW).
The initial delivery to the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) took place at Airbus Helicopters’ production facility in Donauwörth, Germany.
Go deeper with GlobalData
Airbus Helicopters light and governmental programmes head Wolfgang Schoder said: "In terms of versatility and customisability, the Swedish NH90 ASW demonstrates the benefits of an integrated, highly powerful, fly-by-wire helicopter platform.
"Specially tailored for its maritime missions and the operative environment in the Baltic Sea, this helicopter is best-suited for the customer’s requirements."
The rotorcraft is equipped with mission systems, including underwater sonar, tactical radar, and a high cabin for enhanced interior space.
In 2001, Sweden ordered a total of 18 NH90 helicopters, 13 of which will be search and rescue (SAR) variants of the tactical transport helicopter, and five of which will be ASW variants.
Under a recent contract, four SAR helicopters will be converted to the ASW configuration, resulting in a total of nine of each type in service. Around 11 SAR and one ASW variants have been delivered to FMV so far.
The NH90 helicopter programme is being managed by the NHIndustries consortium, which is owned by Airbus Helicopters, AgustaWestland, and Stork Fokker with 62.5%, 32%, and 5.5% stakes respectively.
NHI and its partner companies have delivered more than 260 NH90 helicopters to 13 customers, and reported nearly 100,000 flight hours in operation.
263 NH90 helicopters are currently operational in Germany, France, Belgium, Italy, the Netherlands, Sweden, Finland, Norway, Greece, Oman, Australia, and New Zealand.
Image: Sweden has placed an order for a total of 18 NH90 helicopters in 2001. Photo: courtesy of NHIndustries.
