Norwegian military adds sonar-equipped NH90 helicopter

AIX EN PROVENCE, France, Feb. 5 (UPI) -- The sixth of 14 NH90 helicopters was delivered this week in France to the Norwegian military by NH Industries.

The sonar-equipped NH90 delivered marks the end of the first phase of a Norwegian production program to begin operation of an NH90 fleet by the Norwegian Coast Guard later this year.

Phase Two of the program includes the delivery of six helicopters configured for anti-submarine warfare and two other helicopters configured for Coast Guard operations, NHI said.

"The Norwegian NH90 is a perfect example of versatility, able to fulfill a wide spectrum of missions with its state-of-the-art mission system tailored to the Norwegian needs," said Vittorio Della Bella, managing director of NHI. "The NH90 has been designed with mission success in mind, and our return on experience is that the NH90 is a tremendous aircraft, appreciated by its crews."

The Norwegian NH90 NFH, or NATO Frigate Helicopter variant, features an advanced mission system, a de-icing system and sensors, such as an electronic warfare suite and multi-mode radar.

It has a maximum speed of 186 miles per hour, a range of 621 miles and a ceiling altitude of 20,000 feet.

NH Industries is owned by Finmeccanica Helicopter Division, Airbus Helicopters, and Fokker Aerostructures.