-
Source: Reuters -
Related
The new NH-90 helicopters New Zealand is buying for the RNZAF are going to be versatile, with long flight ranges and capability to lift big loads, an official says.
The German Army - the biggest customer for a model similar to the eight New Zealand is buying for its own military - has pointed to many shortcomings in the aircraft and even recommended using alternative aircraft in operational scenarios.
NZ defence officials have received a translation of the summary of a leaked 103-page internal German military report which revealed several deficiencies in the NH-90, including:
Cabin seats capable of accommodating only soldiers who weigh less than 110kg with their gear.
Cannot carry heavier infantry weapons, such as the Stinger man-portable surface-to-air missile.
Clearance is so limited that soldiers have trouble getting in and out of the helicopter.
Rear ramp is too weak to support fully equipped soldiers.
Floor is so sensitive that it can be cracked by boots.
The helicopter's winch is not powerful enough for the fast-roping of commando teams.
But Ministry of Defence deputy secretary of acquisitions Des Ashton says that the New Zealand helicopters are still some time away from going into operational service, and there is room to have modifications and "work-arounds" done if necessary.
"We wouldn't anticipate having the same range of issues as the Germans," he says.
Some of the issues raised by the Germans are not a problem for the RNZAF. A different antenna will be used so that ground-clearance will be less important, but will still have to be "worked around" operationally.
The strength of the hinges on the door at the back of the helicopter is an issue, but he expects this is something the manufacturer could fix.
"If there are issues with floor-strength and things, they will have to be modified, such as through load-spreaders," Ashton says.
Because New Zealand is not the biggest customer for the helicopter, it is likely that earlier deliveries to bigger customers will lead to generic changes which will address the problems which have been raised.
New Zealand in 2006 ordered eight NH-90s for $771 million, including logistics support, spare parts and training, and is expected to start introducing them in a few months to replace the Vietnam War-era Bell UH-1Hs. These 14 ageing Iroquois helicopters arrived in New Zealand in 1966 and 1970 and have been deployed around many Pacific countries, Antarctica and other parts of the world.
Ashton says New Zealand has pilot and a crewman training on the helicopters in Europe, and two German pilots are in New Zealand flying Iroquois until the NH-90s arrive.
NZ training crews will be initially trained on three helicopters in France before the aircraft are shipped to New Zealand.
It is expected one aircraft will be deliver, in France next December, with six delivered next year, and the remainder in early 2012. One of these helicopters will be used for spares "as this is the least expensive way to buy spares", Ashton says.
Defence Minister Wayne Mapp says the NH-90 helicopters will be a cornerstone of the Defence Force's capability in the future.
Latest NZ News Video
-
Mother and baby laid to rest (1:36)
-
Kiwi scientists help make history (0:29)
-
NZ scores part in telescope project (1:56)
