Qatar Takes Delivery of First NH90 Tactical Transport Helicopter

The Qatar Air Force took delivery of the first NH90 Tactical Transport Helicopter (TTH) recently, manufacturer Leonardo has announced.

The first TTH version helicopter for land-based tasks was delivered on 11 December, in line with contractual commitments, and will be followed in the coming months by the first NFH, dedicated to naval operations, after qualifications. Deliveries will continue until 2025.

Leonardo acts as prime contractor with responsibility for the management of the program, the final assembly and delivery of the 12 NH90 NFH helicopters from the Venice - Tessera plant and the provision of support and training services for crews and maintenance technicians.

The NH90 program for the Qatar Air Force achieved two important results with the delivery of the first TTH helicopter for land use on 11 December and the first official presentation of the two TTH and NFH variants during the country's National Day on 18 December. The first TTH (tactical troop transport) arrived in Qatar from Airbus Helicopters' French plant in Marignane. The first NFH (NATO frigate helicopter) was made available to the event by Leonardo and shipped from the Venice Tessera plant in advance of delivery which is expected in the next few months.

The NH90 program for Qatar includes 16 NH90 TTH, 12 NH90 NFH, a complete package of support, maintenance, training and infrastructure. The program could be further expanded in the future with the addition of another 12 units (6 TTH + 6 NFH). Leonardo acts as prime contractor with responsibility for program management, final assembly and delivery of the 12 NH90 NFH helicopters from its Venice - Tessera facility, providing a complete support package, simulators, systems and services for training for crews and maintenance technicians. Leonardo also provides, contributes or supports the integration of various equipment, avionics systems and sensors including its LEOSS-T HD electro-optical system, video and identification systems, HD display for the mission consoles installed in the cabin.

Airbus Helicopters is responsible for the final assembly of the 16 NH90 TTHs.