L’NH 90NFH (NATO Frigate Helicopter) è frutto di una collaborazione europea tra Eurocopter France/Deutschland, AgustaWestland e Fokker Aerostructures. Fondata nel 1992 NHIndustries è una Società denominata SAS con sede in Francia ad Aix-en-Provence.
NHIndustries è responsabile della progettazione, della costruzione e della messa in servizio di tutti gli elicotteri NH 90TTH/NFH appartenenti alle forze armate che aderiscono all’Agenzia NAHEMA (NATO Helicopter Management Agency) come “Steering Committee” (Belgio, Francia, Italia, Germania, Olanda e Portogallo) e come “Joint Executive Committee” (Finlandia, Norvegia e Svezia) e per tutte le esportazioni.
Al momento sono 14 le nazioni che si sono dotate dell’NH 90 nelle due versioni disponibili, TTH (Tactical Transport Helicopter) versione terrestre, e dell’NFH come versione navale, gli elicotteri vengono attualmente costruiti su sei differenti linee di produzione dislocate in: Italia (Venezia-Tessera), Francia, Germania, Finlandia, Spagna e Australia.
La progettazione dell’NH 90 inizia a partire dai primi mesi del 1993, il primo volo è stato effettuato dal prototipo PT1 il 18 dicembre 1995, nel marzo del 1997 ha volato il secondo prototipo PT2, mentre il terzo prototipo PT3 nel novembre del 1998, tutti e tre sono stati costruiti in Francia, sono seguiti altri due prototipi uno nella versione TTH, uno costruito in Germania e uno in versione NFH costruito in Italia.
Il primo elicottero di serie è entrato in servizio nel 2006 con l’Esercito tedesco nella versione TTH, il primo NH 90 italiano è stato anch’esso un NH 90TTH per l’Aviazione dell’Esercito entrato in servizio nel dicembre del 2007.
L’NH 90NFH è un elicottero multiruolo biturbina di classe media con rotore quadripala, rispecchia appieno le caratteristiche dettate dai requisiti NATO per l’interoperabilità e standardizzazione delle flotte per le operazioni terrestri e marittime.
In particolar modo rispecchia le caratteristiche richieste di:
-Standard di progettazione FAR 29 e MIL-STDS
-Sistemi di aeronavigabilità determinati dalle nazioni aderenti alla NAHEMA
-Capacità operativa di volo dal livello del mare fino all’altitudine di 6.000mt
-Capacità operativa di volo con temperature da -40°C a + 50°C
-Operazioni con continua presenza di ghiaccio come da specifica DEF-STN 00-970
-Operazione ogni-tempo di giorno e di notte
-Operazioni sul mare e dalle navi
-Operazioni su piste non preparate e su piani inclinati
-Operazioni con sistemi d’arma specifici
-Sistema di missione ridondante attinente alla specifica MIL-STD 1533
-Sistema multi-ridondante di Fligh-by-Wire con Flight Control System (FCS)
-Compatibilità con i campi elettromagnetici e resistente alle interferenze elettromagnetiche.
-Avionica integrata con schermi multifunzione, sistema avanzato di controllo dell’elicottero
-Sistema avanzato di missione
-Tecnica di progettazione digitale avanzata
L’NH 90 è basato sul concetto di sistemi comuni per ridurre i costi, infatti il fulcro per entrambi le versioni è l’utilizzo di suite comuni, rispecchiando il concetto design once, use many times (progettare una volta, utilizzare più volte), riducendo la progettazione e l’impronta del supporto logistico integrato. Avendo un centro unico per l’addestramento dei piloti e dei manutentori, della manutenzione e delle parti di ricambio riduce significativamente i costi per tutta la vita dell’elicottero.

Fusoliera e struttura
-In materiali compositi
-Una cabina larga a forma di diamante con una bassa segnatura radar
-Due porte scorrevoli poste sui lati della fusoliera e una rampa posteriore flessibile (solo versione TTH)
-Coda ripiegabile automaticamente

Motorizzazione
-Due motori General Electric GE T700/T6E1 con doppio sistema FADEC (Full Autorithy Digital Electronic Control) e sistema avanzato di filtrazione dell’aria alle prese d’aria.

Sistema di trasmissione
-Quattro pale e rotore di coda in materiali compositi
-Rotore principale ripiegabile completamente con sistema frenante
-Scatola ingranaggi principale con sistema di funzionamento fino a 30 minuti senza lubrificante
-Sistema di controllo remoto della scatola ingranaggi rotore di coda e intermedia
-Sistema di controllo integrato di funzionamento e bilanciamento del rotore
Sistema di controllo di volo
-Sistema di controllo automatico (multi-mode) di volo tramite FCS (Flight Control System) e comandi fly-by-wire (controlli delle parti mobili via cavo invece che meccanico)
-Sistema di controllo quadruplo ridondante (due sistemi digitali – due sistemi analogici)
-Aiuto del controllo di volo avanzate
Cabina di pilotaggio e sistema di visualizzazione
-Cinque schermi glass cockpit multifunzione
-Cabina compatibile al sistema NVG (Night Vision Goggles) e casco con sistema di visualizzazione dati
-La cabina di pilotaggio è dotata di una stazione integrata per pilota e co-pilota

Sistema avionico Integrato
-Suite di comunicazione (Interna ed esterna)
-Suite di comunicazione della situazione tattica e sistema di identificazione amico o nemico IFF (Identification Friend or Foe)
-Suite di navigazione con incluso GPS, Doppler, Air-Data e generatore di mappa digitale
-Gestione impianti tramite monitoraggio del velivolo e sistema di diagnosi

Sistema elettrico
-Due generatori e opzione per un terzo generatore
-Un sistema di potenza ausiliaria (APU - Auxiliary Power Unit) per operazioni a terra autonome
-Sistema di trasferimento dati digital (DITS - Digital Information Transfer System) ARINC 429 (Aeronautical Radio INC)

Sistema idraulico
-Doppio sistema di sicurezza
-Controlli di potenza di volo, sistema di retrazione carrello e ripiegatura rotore

Carrello retrattile
-Triciclo per operazioni su ponte di volo, carrello anteriore sterzante e sistema di bloccaggio
-Progettato per operazioni a pieno carico su superfici non preparate

Impianto carburante
-Doppio serbatoio pressurizzato posto sotto il pavimento della cabina
-Resistente agli impatti
-Opzione per serbatoio ausiliario interno ed esterno

Controllo dell’ambiente
-Sistema di condizionamento della cabina, del cockpit e dei sistemi avionici

Posti a sedere
Sedili Pilota e Co-Pilota e operatori di sistema resistenti agli impatti

Illuminazione
-Luci interne e di segnalazione uscite di emergenza
-Compatibile per gli NVG (Night Vision Goggles)
-Luci esterne di navigazione, per il volo in formazione, anti collisione e faro di ricerca

Sistema di protezione agenti atmosferici
-Rilevatore presenza ghiaccio e sistema di misurazione
-Sistema di sghiacciamento per le prese d’aria, pale rotore principale e rotore di coda
-Protezione del parabrezza, stabilizzatore e dei tubi di pitot

Manutenzione e sistema trasferimento dati
-Registrazione parametri velivolo e analisi tecnica per assicurare efficienza e sicurezza dell’elicottero - Health and Usage Monitoring Systems (HUMS)
-Trasmissione dati alla stazione di terra
-Sistemi di sicurezza ed emergenza
-Sistema di flottaggio a quattro punti con galleggianti integrati
-Ventilazione del carburante e sistema di soppressione del fuoco
-Registrazione voci di cabina e registratore di volo con sistema di localizzazione

Caratteristiche tecniche

Dimensioni:
-Larghezza 4,61mt
-Lunghezza fusoliera 16,13mt
-Lunghezza totale 19,56mt
-Diametro rotore principale 16,30mt
-Diametro rotore di coda 3,20mt
-Volume interno 15,20mq
-Lunghezza cabina 4,80mt
-Larghezza cabina 2,00mt
-Altezza cabina 1,58mt
-Apertura porte 1,60mt x 1,50mt

Pesi
-Massimo 10.600kg
-Vuoto 6.400kg
-Carico 4.200kg
-Capacità verricello 270kg

Serbatoi
-Principale 2.035kg
-Ausiliario interno 400kg
-Ausiliario esterno 270kg

Prestazioni
-Massima velocità 300km/h
-Velocità di crociera 260km/h
-Rateo massimo di salita 11,2mt/sec
-Massima tangenza su terra (IGE in ground effect) 3.200mt
-Massima tangenza su acqua (OGE out of ground effect) 2.600mt
-Massima autonomia 982km
-Massima autonomia con carico di 2.500kg 900km
-Tempo massimo di volo 5h
-Massima autonomia in volo di trasferimento con serbatoi ausiliari 1.600km

Propulsione

-Motorizzazione due x GE T700/T6E1
-Massima potenza per 30 minuti 1.692kw
-Normale potenza continuativa 1.577kw
-Massima potenza per 30 secondi con un motore solo (OEI - One Engine Inoperative) 2.095kw
-Normale potenza per due minuti con un motore solo 1.842kw
-Normale potenza per 60 minuti con un motore solo 1.692kw

L’NH 90NFH è stato sviluppato per assolvere a compiti specifici in ambito marino e di supporto alla flotta navale, i ruoli principali sono:
-ASW Anti Submarine Warfare – lotta ai sottomarini
-ASuW Anti Surface Warfare – lotta alle navi
-Ricerca e Soccorso (SAR - Search and Rescue)
Mentre i ruoli complementari sono:
-Sorveglianza e controllo del traffico marittimo
-Capacità limitata di sorveglianza aerea (AEW - Airborne Early Warning)
-Trasporto logistico e supporto
-Rifornimento navi con sistema VERTREP (VERTical REPlenishment)
-Evacuazione medica (CASEVAC - Casualty Evacuation)
-Operazioni Speciali Anti Terrorismo e Anti Pirateria
Il Sistema di Missione dell’NH 90NFH definito all-in-one permette di espletare le tre tipologie di compiti principali ASW-ASuW-SAR solo modificando il profilo di missione, grazie ad un sistema di sensori voce, dati e d’arma che utilizza tecniche di data fusion che facilitano il processo decisionale dei piloti e dell’operatore. Questa semplicità di gestione della missione è gestibile da un equipaggio di sole tre persone, se necessario può essere installata una seconda consolle per un secondo operatore, il sistema è molto versatile ed entrambi gli schermi degli operatori sono intercambiabili per visualizzare i dati di missione, a beneficio della gestione dello scenario operativo e addestrativo.
Equipaggiamento di missione prevede la presenza sull’NH 90NFH di:
-Radar di scoperta, navigazione e meteo Thales Selex Ocean Master 360 ad alta risoluzione di immagini (ISAR – SAR)
-FLIR (Forward Looking Infrared) Sagem Euroflir
-Sistema antimissile EADS AN/AAR-60 Milds
-Sistema allarme radar e laser Thales TWE
-Sistema di contromisure Chaff e Flares
-Radar antiostacoli Selex LOAM
-Casco Thales TopHwl
-Sonar L3 Helras D100
-Interrogatore IFF (Identification Friend or Foe)
-Sistema trasmissione Data Link 11
-Generatore di Mappe Digitali
-Una o due console di missione
-Boe sonore
-Due Missili anti nave Marte Mk2/S
-Due Siluri

L’NH 90 è stato progettato per operare principalmente a bordo delle Fregate della Marina Militare italiana, le caratteristiche principali che gli conferiscono questa capacità sono un sistema di aggancio al ponte di volo tramite un arpione che gli permette di effettuare un appontaggio in sicurezza anche con mare molto mosso.
Un sistema di ripiegamento delle pale del rotore principale e della parte finale della trave di coda permettendogli così l’hangaraggio.
Un sistema di movimento trasversale per spostamenti dal ponte di volo in hangar e viceversa.
Un sistema di comunicazione nave/elicottero per co-ordinare in simultanea le manovre di appontaggio e decollo.
Un sistema veloce di comunicazione data umbilical cable di scambio dati dei parametri di missione tra elicottero e nave.
Un sistema di navigazione avanzato di aiuto all’appontaggio in condizioni diurne e notturne e con condizioni di mare avverso basato sulla conoscenza esatta della posizione della nave.
La conformazione della cabina e la compattezza delle consolle dell’NH 90 permettono una rapida configurazione per missioni multi ruolo simultanee, la velocità di riconfigurazione dei sistemi di missione da trasporto o evacuazione sanitaria permettono un cambio di ruolo in caso di necessità.
Alcuni esempi versatilità dell’NH 90 sono elencati qui di seguito:
-Missione ASW con tre elementi
-Missione ASW con quattro elementi
-Missione AsuW
-Missione di trasporto con 14 sedili
-Missione ASW/ASuW con annessa missione di trasporto di sette soldati
-Missione di evacuazione medica con nove barelle
-Missione di Ricerca e Soccorso

Dati NH 90 "fonte NHIndustries" 

English translation

In July 2009 I had the opportunity to visit the MariSTaeli of Luni-Sarzana and then become aware of all those elements that made up the Base Aeromobili (Aircraft Base) of the Marina Militare (Italian Navy).
In the course of this year I returned with the intention of deepening what changes had occurred.
The only substantial change was the one that involved the 5° Gruppo Elicotteri (Helicopter Squadron) with the transit from the AB 212ASW/ASuW, workhorse of many years of operations, in favor of the new and powerful NH 90NFH (NATO Frigate Helicopter).
To get the right and due information on the new layout of the Unit I met the Capitano di Fregata (Frigate Captain) Cristiano Falorni Commander of the 5° Gruppo Elicotteri, who assisted by Lieutenant Paolo Clericuzio, he explained to me what were the salient steps that characterized the inline entry of the new machine.
The first helicopters entered service with the 5° Gruppo Elicotteri during 2011 (since June), currently there are about ten machines in active service. The staff and structure remained unchanged with about thirty pilots in strength, in the last year has also reached an excellent situation with regard to the qualification of the crews with a good division between Combat Ready pilots, among those still with a Limited Combat Ready and with a minority still in training.
In fact after the entrance of the first machines the greater engagement supported from the Unit has been the conversion of the crews that has been carried out of hand with the arrival of the new helicopters.
Initially the operational conversion for the theoretical part was curated by AgustaWestland, followed by the Studies Office of MariSTaeli Catania. Once the initial transition phase was over, the pilots returned to Luni, where, subject to availability, simulator sessions were held at AgustaWestland’s production sites, or sessions at the NMST (NH 90 Mission System Trainer) present in Luni Sarzana; the latter is used in particular to introduce pilots to the mission systems of the helicopter. The first phase of Ground School lasts on average two months, of which two weeks held at the NMST, slightly longer (two to three weeks) the part dedicated to the simulator. This is followed by a "basic" practical part where there are about fifteen flights that allow the pilot to get acquainted with the helicopter. The missions are carried out with an increasing degree of difficulty, starting from VFR flights (Visual Flight Rules), passing to the formation flying or with the use of the barycenter hook and arriving to carry out missions in a night environment.
The next phase focuses on the specific role of naval pilot, and is mainly focused on the use of Sonar.
After the practical phase the pilot gets the Limited Combat Ready, usually in a time span ranging from ten months to a year at most, from this moment the pilot can begin to play the role of "Second". Later, depending on the needs of the Armed Force, the pilot is directed to a specific preparation in the role "Eliassalto" or "ASW/ASuW".
The next step is advanced training where the pilot achieves the skills to operate in an aero-naval framework, then ships, submarines, aircraft and helicopters, where it is not possible to improvise but requires a coordination of actions, with a gradual approach of "integration" of the helicopter within the Squadra Navale (Naval Team), this phase of on-job training will lead the pilot to carry out one/ two exercises in a so-called "complex". After this phase the pilot obtains the qualification LCR ASW/ASuW (Limited Combat Ready Anti Submarine Warfare-Anti Surface Warfare). The next step is to obtain the CR (Combat Ready) qualification that usually takes place after about 150 missions and 450 hours of flight, numbers that depend mainly on the "objective evaluation" carried out on the element by the Squadron Commander. After the basic qualification the pilot is evaluated for "characteristics", the first one that we highlight is the "bravo day" that manifests the ability of the pilot to take off and to affix on the naval units is to "single spot" that "multispot", the training is progressive and leads to being able to a landing on a ship with a single landing point "single spot" at night, where the crew coordination is essential for the success of the maneuver, in this particular situation the "characteristic" becomes "bravo night".
The national commitments supported by the 5° Gruppo Elicotteri after reaching "full maturity" (2014-2015) were mainly in the operating theatres of southern Italy with the Mare Nostrum operation where, constantly one/two helicopters operated from the naval units (Fasan and San Giorgio) or from Catania and Lampedusa. In addition, a helicopter of the 5° Gruppo has operated on board the FREMM (Frigate European Multi Mission) Bergamini during the Periplo accomplished by the 30° Gruppo Navale (Naval Squadron) in North Africa (end 2013 - beginning 2014). In the same period another helicopter served aboard the destroyer Duilio during a campaign in Northern Europe. The operations of 2014 ended with the dramatic event of the fire that involved the ferry Norman Atlantic; an NH 90 of the 5° Gruppo stationed in Catania intervened on the 29th and the 30th to provide assistance to the people on board. For 2015 the Unit remains constantly deployed on the bases of Grottaglie and Catania as well as on the ships of the Marina Militare engaged to face the perennial emergency that is lived daily in the Mediterranean.
Another aspect that we faced with Commander Falorni was to understand what are the essential differences that distinguish the new helicopter in service at the 5° Gruppo Elicotteri and the old AB 212ASW/ASuW. The AB 212, built under license by Agusta is an evolution of the Bell UH 1N "Twin Huey" model conceived for the Marine Corps and for the United States Navy, developed in turn on the frame of the UH 1 Iroquois "Huey" undoubtedly the most famous of the helicopters built in the West. The "Twin-Two-Twelve" is defined a helicopter "carnal" and "rustic" where the pilot has a management of the medium completely manual.
On the NH 90NFH the situation is diametrically opposed, the set of technologically advanced systems make it the "Naval" helicopter par excellence. The impact with the technology takes place immediately entering the cockpit, in fact the definition of dark cockpit is more than guessed, since the LCD screens have completely replaced any type of analog instrument allowing pilots to focus on the mission and warning them with appropriate warning only when approaching the limits. Other innovations have been introduced with the use of fly-by-wire commands of electric type to replace the mechanical ones, the exuberance of the medium is guaranteed by the two turbines GE T700/T6E1; the radar is digital and is used for navigation and search, with the ability to automatically discriminate even small targets such as submarine periscopes, finally, the NH 90 is more stable both during the flight and during the hovering thanks to the four-blade rotor.
The workload of the crew (pilots and operators) is very lightened thanks to the digital system of identification of the target in immersion and conduct of the helicopter until the moment of release of the Sonar, if we think that on the AB 212 the tactical situation was described on a "caleppino" placed on the thigh where the various points of report were highlighted and then established a presumed location of the submarine, subsequently the crew worklog was to carry out various communications, identification, preparation of the helicopter to make the dipped descent of the Sonar thus producing a significant amount of work for the crew.
With the NH 90, thanks to the MFD screens both pilots and operators have a 360° view of the tactical aero-naval situation of the area, with the automatic reporting of targets and their position, with the possibility of inducing the helicopter to automatically position itself on a specific point to effect the release of the Sonar or weapon systems. Even if the workload is reduced individually, the complexity of the weapon systems of the NH 90NFH requires in some cases the presence of a third operator and in the case of off-site operations also an avionics on board in addition to the classic specialist, so we went from a maximum of five military personnel for the "212" to a maximum of seven people for the NH 90.
The NH 90NFH (NATO Frigate Helicopter) is the result of a European collaboration between Eurocopter France/Deutschland, AgustaWestland and Fokker Aerostructures. Founded in 1992 NHIndustries is a company called SAS based in France in Aix-en-Provence.
NHIndustries is responsible for the design, construction and commissioning of all NH 90TTH/NFH helicopters belonging to the armed forces belonging to the NAHEMA Agency (NATO Helicopter Management Agency) as "Steering Committee" (Belgium, France, Italy, Germany, Holland and Portugal) and as "Joint Executive Committee" (Finland, Norway and Sweden) and for all exports.
At the moment there are 14 nations that have equipped the NH 90 in the two versions available, TTH (Tactical Transport Helicopter) terrestrial version, and the NFH as naval version, the helicopters are currently built on six different production lines located in: Italy (Venezia-Tessera), France, Germany, Finland, Spain and Australia.
The design of the NH 90 began in early 1993, the first flight was made from the prototype PT1 on 18 December 1995, in March 1997 flew the second prototype PT2, while the third prototype PT3 in November 1998, All three were built in France, followed by two other prototypes one in the TTH version, one built in Germany and one in the NFH version built in Italy.
The first series helicopter entered service in 2006 with the German Army in the TTH version, the first Italian NH 90 was also an NH 90TTH for the Aviazione dell'Esercito (Army Aviation) entered service in December 2007.
The NH 90NFH is a mid-class twin-engine multi-role helicopter with four-blade rotor, fully reflects the characteristics dictated by NATO requirements for interoperability and standardisation of fleets for land and sea operations.
In particular, it reflects the required characteristics of:
-FAR 29 and MIL-STDS design standards
-Airworthiness systems determined by NAHEMA member nations
-Operational capacity of flight from sea level up to an altitude of 6,000 m
-Operating capacity at temperatures of -40 ºC to + 50 ºC
-Operations with continuous ice presence as per DEF-STN 00-970 specification
-Daily and night operation
-Operations at sea and by vessels
-Operations on unprepared slopes and inclined planes
-Operations with specific weapon systems
-Redundant mission system related to MIL-STD 1533 specification
-Multi-redundant Fligh-by-Wire system with Flight Control System (FCS)
-Compatibility with electromagnetic fields and resistant to electromagnetic interference.
-Integrated avionics with multi-function displays, advanced helicopter control system
-Advanced mission system
-Advanced digital design technology
The NH 90 is based on the concept of common systems to reduce costs, in fact the focus for both versions is the use of common suites, mirroring the concept design once, use many times (design once, use several times)reducing the design and footprint of the integrated logistic support. Having a single center for the training of pilots and maintainers, maintenance and spare parts significantly reduces the costs throughout the life of the helicopter.

Fuselage and structure
-In composite materials
-A large diamond-shaped cabin with a low radar signature
-Two sliding doors on the sides of the fuselage and a flexible rear ramp (TTH version only)
-Tail can be folded automatically

Motorization
-Two General Electric GE T700/T6E1 engines with dual FADEC (Full Autorithy Digital Electronic Control) system and advanced air intake filtration system.

Transmission system
-Four composite blades and tail rotor
-Fully retractable main rotor with brake system
-Main gear box with operating system up to 30 minutes without lubricant
-Remote control system of the gear box tail rotor and intermediate
-Integrated rotor operation and balancing control system

System of control of flight
-Automatic (multi-mode) flight control system via FCS (Flight Control System) and fly-by-wire commands (mobile cable control instead of mechanical control)
-Redundant quadruple control system (two digital systems - two analog systems)
-Help of advanced flight control

Cockpit and display system
-Five multifunctional glass cockpit screens
-Cockpit compatible with NVG (Night Vision Goggles) system and helmet with data display system
-The cockpit is equipped with an integrated pilot and co-pilot station

Integrated avionics system
-Communication suite (Internal and external)
-Tactical situation communication suite and friend or foe identification system IFF (Identification Friend or Foe)
-Navigation suite including GPS, Doppler, Air-Data and digital map generator
-Facility management through aircraft monitoring and diagnosis system

Electrical system
-Two generators and option for a third generator
-An auxiliary power unit (APU) for autonomous ground operations
-DITS Digital Information Transfer System ARINC 429 (Aeronautical Radio INC)

Hydraulic system
- Double safety system
-Flight power controls, trolley retraction and rotor folding system

Retractable gear
-Tricycle for flight deck operation, front-wheel steering and locking system
-Designed for full load operations on unprepared surfaces

Fuel system
-Double pressurised tank under the cab floor
-Impact-resistant
-Option for internal and external auxiliary tank

Environmental control
-Cabin, cockpit and avionics air conditioning system
Seating
-Pilot and co-pilot seats and impact-resistant system operators
Lighting
-Interior lights and emergency exit lights
-Compatible for NVGs (Night Vision Goggles)
-External navigation lights, for formation, collision and research beacon

System of protection against atmospheric agents
-Ice detector and measuring system
-De-icing system for air intakes, main rotor blades and tail rotor
- Protection of windscreen, stabilizer and pitot tubes

Maintenance and data transfer system
-Aircraft parameter recording and technical analysis to ensure helicopter efficiency and safety - Health and Usage Monitoring Systems (HUMS) -
-Data transmission to ground station
-Safety and emergency systems
-Four-point flotation system with integrated floats
-Fuel ventilation and fire suppression system
-Recording of cabin voices and flight recorder with location system

Technical characteristics

Dimensions:
-Width 4,61mt
-Fuselage length 16,13 mt
-Total length 19.56 m
-Main rotor diameter 16,30 mt
-Tail rotor diameter 3,20 mt
-Internal volume 15,20 sqm
-Cabin length 4.80 m
-Cabin width 2,00 mt
-Cabin height 1.58 m
-Door opening 1,60 mt x 1,50 mt

Weights
-Maximum 10.600 kg
-Empty 6.400 kg
-Load capacity 4,200 kg
-Winch capacity 270 kg

Tanks
-Main 2.035 kg
-Internal auxiliary 400 kg
-External auxiliary unit 270 kg

Performance
-Maximum speed 300 km/h
-Cruising speed 260 km/h
-Maximum rate of ascent 11.2 mt/sec
-Maximum tangency on land (IGE in ground effect) 3.200 mt
-Maximum tangency on water (OGE out of ground effect) 2.600 mt
-Maximum range 982 km
-Maximum range with load of 2,500 kg 900 km
-Maximum flight time 5 h
-Maximum range in transfer flight with auxiliary tanks 1,600 km

-Engine x 2 GE T700/T6E1
-Maximum power for 30 minutes 1,692 kw
-Normal continuous output 1,577 kw
-Maximum power for 30 seconds with one engine only (OEI one engine inoperative) 2,095 kw
-Normal power for two minutes with one motor only 1,842 kw
-Normal power for 60 minutes with one motor only 1,692 kw

The NH 90NFH has been developed to perform specific tasks in marine and naval fleet support, the main roles are:
-ASW Anti Submarine Warfare - combating submarines
-ASuW Anti Surface Warfare - fighting ships
-Search and Rescue (SAR - Search and Rescue)
While the complementary roles are:
-Monitoring and control of maritime traffic
-Limited air surveillance capacity (AEW Airborne Early Warning)
-Logistical transport and support
-Supply of vessels with VERTREP system (vertical REPlenishment)
-Medical evacuation (CASEVAC Casualty Evacuation)
-Special Operations Anti Terrorism and Anti Piracy
The NH 90NFH Mission System, defined all-in-one, allows to perform the three main ASW-ASuW-SAR tasks only by modifying the mission profile, thanks to a system of voice sensors, data and weapon that uses data fusion techniques that facilitate the decision-making of pilots and operator. This simplicity of mission management is manageable by a crew of only three, if necessary a second console for a second operator can be installed, the system is very versatile and both operator screens are interchangeable to display mission data, for the benefit of operating and training scenario management.
Mission equipment includes the presence on the NH 90NFH of:
-Thales Selex Ocean Master 360 high-resolution image detection, navigation and weather radar (ISAR - SAR)
-FLIR (Forward Looking Infrared) Sagem Euroflir
-Anti missiles system EADS AN/AAR-60 Milds
-Thales TWE radar and laser alarm system
-Chaff and Flares countermeasures system
-Radar obstacle-fighting Selex LOAM
-Helmet Thales TopHwl
-Sonar L3 Helras D100
-IFF (Identification Friend or Foe)
-Transmission system Data Link 11
-Online Map Generator
-One or two mission consoles
-Sound buoys
-Two anti ship missiles Mars Mk2/S
-Two Torpedoes

The NH 90 is designed to operate mainly on board the Frigates of the Marina Militare, the main characteristics that give it this ability are a system of hooking to the flight deck through a harpoon that allows it to carry out a landing safely even with very rough sea.
A system of folding of the blades of the main rotor and the end of the tail beam allowing it to be housed in the hangar on board.
A transverse motion system for moving from the flight deck to the hangar and vice versa.
A ship/helicopter communication system to co-order landing and take-off manouvres simultaneously.
A fast data communication system umbilical cable data exchange of mission parameters between helicopter and ship.
An advanced landing aid navigation system in day and night conditions and in adverse sea conditions based on exact knowledge of the vessel’s position.
The cabin design and compact design of the NH 90 consoles allow quick configuration for simultaneous multi-role missions, the speed of reconfiguration of the mission systems from transport or sanitary evacuation allow a change of role in case of need.
Some versatility examples of the NH 90 are listed below:
-ASW mission with three elements
-ASW mission with four elements
-AsuW
-Transport mission with 14 seats
-ASW/ASuW mission with attached seven-man transport mission
-Medical evacuation mission with nine stretchers
-Search and Rescue Mission