Operational Test and Evaluation of the NH90 NFH

Rogier A. van Kralingen, Test Pilot, Defence Helicopter Command, Flight Test Department, The Netherlands

Abstract

The Netherlands Ministry of Defence had selected the NH90 NFH to be the replacement of the Westland Lynx Mk27. Initially the intent was to participate in the international Operational Evaluation (OPEVAL). However at the time of the introduction it proved to be impossible to have consensus for the international OPEVAL, leaving the introduction to the individual countries. The Netherlands is a small country with also a small maritime air wing, which made it fairly difficult to introduce the NH90 NFH. The helicopter is a complex machine with a lot of sensors and other mission systems that all required a proper evaluation. In order to allow operational use as soon as possible, the decision was made to focus on Shore Operations and Limited Ship Operations. By this approach the crews could be trained and perform the most important operational tasks, without the need to have completed the complete Operational Test and Evaluation (OT&E). The OT&E started in 2009, with the first deployment on board of a ship in the first quarter of 2013. Still not all OT&E items have been evaluated and more items keep being added as well, therefore the testing will most probably be ongoing until close to the NH90's retirement. However the peak of intense testing is already behind us. This paper will touch on some elements of the OT&E with some interesting or unusual findings, including Ship Helicopter Operational Limitations, airborne use of force, winching, Category A helipad approaches. chaff and flare and use of sensors. All with the aim to share the information to help other operators with their introduction and to support in cross border flow of information.