The story
The NH90 is what happens when half of Europe designs one helicopter together: a fly-by-wire, corrosion-proof, ship-capable machine that hauls troops for a dozen armies and hunts submarines for their navies. Spotting one usually means a NATO exercise is nearby.
It was the first production helicopter in the world with full fly-by-wire flight controls — no mechanical linkages at all.
Quick answers
How do you identify a NH90?
Sleek composite fuselage with a high tail boom and rear ramp. Looks more sculpted than the Black Hawk it competes with. Mostly European militaries, plus a few navies and armies further afield.
What does a NH90 sound like?
A deep twin-turbine thrum with a distinctive fast rotor slap.
How fast is the NH90?
Top speed is 162 kts.
How many people does the NH90 carry?
Typical configuration: 2 crew + up to 20 troops.
How far can the NH90 fly?
Range is about 430 nmi.
How big is the NH90?
It is 52 ft 11 in long.
When did the NH90 first fly?
Its first flight was in 1995.
How many NH90s have been built?
500+ built.
How rare is a NH90 in Bogey?
UNCOMMON. Not rare, but not every day either. Worth looking up for. Your first NH90 catch is worth 50 points.
