Norway receives first NH90 NFH helicopter

CASCINA COSTA DI SAMARATE, Italy, Dec. 5 (UPI) -- The Norwegian military has received the first of 14 NH90 NFH helicopters ordered from AgustaWestland of Italy.

The helicopters, destined for the country's coast guard, will replace the service's fleet of Lynx helicopters.

The NH90 can fly at 186 mph and has a range of 487-681 miles, depending on the variant. The NFH -- NATO Frigate Helicopter variant -- is designed mainly for autonomous and joint Anti-Submarine Warfare and Anti Surface Warfare.

It is also capable of performing search-and-rescue, troop transport, cargo transport, medical evacuation and amphibious support missions. It features systems that allow it to operate from small frigates, even in rough seas.

The NH90 production program is managed by the NATO Helicopter Management Agency, which represents France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Portugal, and by the NHIndustries consortium. The consortium is comprised of AgustaWestland, Eurocopter and Fokker.

AgustaWestland said it is responsible for the production of the aircraft's main transmission, tail drive shafts, hydraulic system, automatic flight control system, rear ramp, rear fuselage and on-board computers.

The company also has responsibility for the naval mission system into the NFH variant.

A delivery schedule for the remainder of the helicopters ordered by Norway wasn't disclosed.