ALBACETE, Spain, Dec. 22 (UPI) -- The Spanish military has received the first three of 46 Spanish-assembled utility and combat helicopters under separate contracts given to Airbus Helicopters.
The aircraft officially delivered by the company were two Tiger attack helicopters in the HAD-E version and one NH90 GSPA, a Spanish-version tactical transport.
"The delivery of these three helicopters is a very important milestone for our company, and we wish to thank the Spanish Ministry of Defense for trusting in us," said Francisco Verge, chief executive officer of Airbus Helicopters España. "Our close relationship with the Spanish Army and the different departments of the Directorate-General of Armament and Equipment has been crucial to ensuring the success of these two high-tech programs."
The Tiger is a twin-engine attack helicopter that first came into service in 2003. It is operated by four countries. Spain ordered 24 of the aircraft, which carry 20mm guns and rockets.
The HAD-E variant has 14 percent greater power than the earlier HAP variants, an improved optronic vision system, Spike air-to-ground missiles and a new electronic warfare and counter-measure system.
Spain already operates six Tigers in the earlier HAP-E variant.
The NH90s, were ordered for all Spanish military services and are to be used for troop transport, search-and-rescue, personnel recovery and medical evacuation.
Airbus Helicopters' plant in Albacete manufactures the rear fuselage section of the Tiger helicopter and the front fuselage of the NH90 for Spanish and export aircraft and is involved the entire life cycle for these helicopters.
