Canada's National Research Council Institute for Aerospace Research has had fly-by-wire in their variable stabilty helicopters for more years than I care to remember. Started with a Bell 206, moved up to a Bell 205, now have a Bell 412. All modes of fly-by-wire can be demonstrated from the right seat - including 4 axis on one control. amazing. Most fun you can have in a helicopter with your clothes on. But the NH-90 is the first production helicopter as far as I know.