Article Posted on : - Sep 13, 2010

The NH90 helicopter. A file photo

PARIS (BNS): The French Navy has received its second NH90 ‘Caiman Marine’ helicopter.

The combat helicopter, equipped with sonar and tactical operator stations, landed at the naval air station Hyères on September 7.

The new chopper is scheduled to enter the naval aviation service in the fall of 2011, the French Navy said.

France has placed an order for a total of 61 NH90 helicopters of which 27 are the Naval NFH versions.

The 27 NH90 Caiman are slated to enter the French Navy by 2021 to replace its Super Frelon and subsequently the Lynx fleet of helicopters which are being used to carry out anti-warfare, search & rescue and tactical support missions.

The Navy had received its first NH90 in May this year.

The NH90 NFH variant is primarily designed for autonomous anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and anti surface warfare (ASuW) missions. The comprehensive mission equipment packages allow a wide range of additional missions to be performed including search and rescue, maritime patrol, vertical replenishment, troop transport, medical evacuation and amphibious support roles.

The helicopter is designed for embarked operations that can be performed day and night in adverse weather conditions. Due to its weight and dimensions, deck-lock system, deck traversing system and automatic blade and tail folding system, the NH90 can operate from small frigates even in high sea states.