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Netherlands lifts suspension of NH90 helicopter deliveries

NHIndustries to remediate corrosion problems on NH90 helicopters ordered by the Netherlands.

By Richard Tomkins

THE HAGUE, Netherlands, Dec. 17 (UPI) -- Delivery of problem-plagued NH90 helicopters to the Dutch Navy has resumed following a remediation agreement between the Ministry of Defense and NHIndustries.

Deliveries of the medium-size, twin-engine multi-role aircraft were suspended last June because of major problems with wear and corrosion in the delivered aircraft.

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In a letter to parliament, Defense Minister Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert said the ministry and NHIndustries extensively analyzed the problems with the helicopter and solutions reached.

"The principle is that the manufacturer is responsible for the problems with the aircraft," the Ministry of Defense said in a news release on Tuesday. "The company also assumes full costs incurred for the development of modifications, repair of corrosion damage and for designing preventive measures."

The ministry said more than 100 factors contributing to corrosion on the aircraft were identified and fixes for 75 of them found.

NHIndustries pledged explore fixes to remaining factors during the planned deep maintenance of an NH90 in the first half of next year.

The Dutch military still has seven of the helicopters on order. Two of those will now be delivered this month.

The Netherlands had ordered 20 NH90s, 12 of them for the navy.

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