Spain will receive its first NH Industries NH90 tactical transport helicopter before the end of 2013, with the launch aircraft having recently performed its first flight from Eurocopter España's Albacete final assembly facility.

Signed in 2006, Madrid's NH90 order now comprises 38 aircraft, with these to be delivered across Spain's three armed services. Its original order was for a combined 45 examples, but this was subsequently reduced because of budget pressures.

 NH90 Spain - Eurocopter

Pablo Rada/Eurocopter

Eurocopter says the first Spanish-assembled NH90 will be the first of the type to be delivered to the nation's army, with the event scheduled for later in 2013.

The company staged a formal flight ceremony for the transport in Albacete on 23 January. Its completion follows that of two previous Spanish-variant prototypes, which were assembled at its Marignane site in France.

Source: Flight International