A couple of interesting quotes from the new president of manufacturer NH Industries Alex Aloccio in the latest issue of Helicopter International.
Currently availability figures are averaging 40 percent but are expected to increase further over the next six months. Aloccio points out that on deployments overseas in
Afghanistan, Iraq, Mali and at sea off the Somali coast, availability has been between 70-80 percent.
I would say that on an active deployment 70/80 is poor in this situation. These aircraft would have top priority for spares and support.
When the Gazelle was deployed in N.I in the mid 70's serviceability which was not great in Germany rose rapidly to the high 90's.
This was an aircraft in it's second year of squadron service. The operational aircraft were backed up by a complete aircraft supplied as a christmas tree.
and highest priority for spares.
This brings us to the second quote.
Aloccio also points out that the NH90 is not just a 10-15 year programme, but will be in service for at least the next 50 years and is thus still in its service entry phase.
Still in its service entry phase. First aircraft were delivered to the Germans in 2006.
17 years in service and it's still in it's entry phase, amazing.
Never mind the quality feel the width!!!