News Review: MRH90 and NH90 NFH go to sea | ADM Feb 2010

1 February 2010

The RAN conducted the First of Class Flight Trials (FOCFT) of an MRH90 helicopter aboard HMAS Manoora late last year.

The month-long test campaign assessed the aircraft's capabilities at sea through takeoffs, landings, munitions transfers and weight load carries.

The trials ere conducted by the RAN's Aircraft Maintenance and Flight Trials Unit (AMAFTU), comprised of test pilots, aero-systems specialists and flight test engineers.

During this trials campaign an MRH90 was also embarked briefly on an Anzac-class frigate in Sydney Harbour to verify ship flight deck and hangar compatibility prior to the start of FOCFT at some time in the future.

Meanwhile, the naval version of the aircraft, the NH90 NFH, has recently completed a successful three-week FOCFT campaign aboard the Norwegian Coast Guard vessel Nordkapp.

During the trial the NH90 performed 105 deck landings in very demanding weather conditions in the central Norwegian Fjords north of the Arctic Circle.

The trial campaign, supported by the Norwegian Armed Forces involved the active participation of Norwegian, French and Italian test pilots.

During this campaign all the planned objectives, in line with the operational requirements of the participating navies were met.