An NH90 naval helicopter equipped with enhanced communication and sonar capabilities has taken to the air for the first time.
NHIndustries — a consortium made up of Airbus Helicopters, Leonardo and GKN Aerospace — recently announced in a press statement that its Software Release 3 (SWR3) configuration NH90 had completed its maiden flight.
It said its SWR3 variant is the world’s first helicopter to carry an integrated airborne Link 22 capability integrated on a helicopter.
Also known as NATO Improved Link Eleven (NILE), Link 22 is a secure digital tactical data link standard used by NATO and allied military forces which allows air, surface, subsurface, and ground-based units to reliably share real-time tactical data and situational awareness beyond line-of-sight without relying on satellites.
Other upgrades fitted to the new NH90 include Leonardo’s (LEOSS-T), a day-night multi-sensor targeting and surveillance turret system integrating high-definition electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) imaging and laser designation capabilities.
The SWR3 also features new OTS-90 Mark II and FLASH Sonars enhancing its anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities, and upgraded weapons and navigation systems.
The press statement said an Italian Navy SH90 helicopter was the first airframe to receive the upgrades, and took to the skies for the first time after the SWR3 upgrade in Italy towards the end of last month.
It noted: “The integration of the latest high-definition electro-optical and sonar technologies further improves long-range surveillance, target detection, identification, acquisition and tracking. Combined with the NH90’s advanced naval mission system, these new capabilities reduce crew workload while increasing mission effectiveness.
“The first flight marks the successful integration of these new systems and represents an important step towards the qualification and entry into service of the SWR3 configuration.”
- You can read more details on the NHIndustries website
