All three branches of Spain’s armed forces are now operators of the NH Industries (NHI) NH90 helicopter following the delivery of a pair of the multirole rotorcraft to the nation’s navy.
Handed over at the Albacete facility of NHI member company Airbus Helicopters, the two NH90 TTHs are configured for naval transport missions.
While the TTH is generally deployed as a battlefield transport, the examples delivered to Madrid have received extensive modifications to make them suitable for embarked operations.
Changes include the addition of an automatic folding system for the main rotor blades and tail, plus reinforced landing gear, and specific naval communications and navigation equipment.
Scheduled to enter service at Rota naval base near Cadiz later this summer, the pair are the first of seven navalised TTHs acquired by Spain as a part of a 23-unit order, its second commitment for the NH90. Deliveries have previously been made to the army and air force.
Madrid intends to further modernise its helicopter fleet, with the Spanish ministry of defence and Airbus Helicopters signing on 13 May an agreement that could lead to the acquisition of additional NH90s.
Earlier this year, NHI indicated that Spain was eyeing a 30-helicopter commitment.
