NZ NH90s
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NZ NH90s
Media Statement and stuff put out by Minister of Defence today
Hon Phil Goff
Minister of Defence
31st July 2006
Media statement
New Helicopters Represent Quantum Leap Forward
Defence Minister, Phil Goff today signed a contract with NH Industries for the purchase of eight NH90 helicopters to replace the Royal New Zealand Air Force's fleet of ageing Iroquois.
"These new helicopters represent a quantum leap forward in terms of capabilities from our present Vietnam war era Iroquois helicopters.
"They are a vital enabler for all three Defence Force Services, for military and peacekeeping operations, for police and counter-terrorism work and for civil emergencies in New Zealand and the Pacific.
"This purchase is the last of the core capability projects on the ten year Long Term Development Plan, regarded as necessary to avoid policy failure.
"Ten years in development, the NH-90 represents current state of the art technology. It will be the cornerstone of the Defence Force capability over the next 30 years.
"The acquisition of these aircraft is an integral part of our new modernized, joint focussed Defence Force that is equipped with greater mobility through Light Operational Vehicles (Pinzgauers) and Light Armoured Vehicles, which will all be deployable in the new Multi-Role Vessel, HMNZS Canterbury.
"Compared to the Iroquois, the NH90 can carry 19 rather than 8 passengers or 12 fully equipped troops as opposed to 5.
"At 260 kilometres an hour cruise speed, it is more than a third faster.
"Its maximum range is 800 kilometres rather than 330.
"It can lift up to 4,000 kilograms rather than 820.
"Militarily it is far more versatile in deploying soldiers into action and in dealing with complex counter-terrorism operations.
"For deployments and disaster relief in the Pacific, with long range tanks the NH-90s can self-deploy.
"They are capable of lifting Light Operational Vehicles off the multi-role vessel in situations where there are no port facilities and landing craft cannot be used.
"For civil disasters in New Zealand or elsewhere, such as floods, earthquakes, snow, cyclones or tsunamis, they can operate for extended periods and with large loads in all weathers, day and night, with significant flexibility.
"For search and rescue, they have much greater reach and are better able to recover people in extreme environmental conditions.
"For border control, they can operate at night over land or sea in support of land and maritime interdiction operations against drug, illegal migrant or terrorist threats.
"The new aircraft have the additional advantage of being interoperable with the Australian Air Force which is purchasing 46 NH-90s.
The NH-90 is likely to become the most widely used medium utility helicopter among our security partners.
"The total cost of the NH-90s is $771 million. More than forty percent of this cost includes logistics and support, which includes spare parts, project costs, training, software and equipment, as well as currency hedging.
"This cost will be met within the existing Long Term Development Plan in which $3.3 billion has been invested.
"The first aircraft will arrive in New Zealand in 2010 and the fleet will be fully in service by 2013," Mr Goff said.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
NH90 Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the RNZAF need new helicopters?
The RNZAF Iroquois fleet has been in service for 40 years. The Iroquois no longer offers the load carrying capacity, self-protection, communications or navigation equipment required and available in a modern aircraft. The lack of capacity and capability increases the risk in military helicopter operations and limits the service the RNZAF helicopters can provide.
What is the NH90?
The NH90 is an advanced medium utility helicopter, capable of undertaking a wide variety of roles. It was developed to meet a European requirement to replace a range of aging helicopters. The NH90 is a product of more than 10 years of development and testing to meet stringent capability and low maintenance requirements.
Why was the NH90 chosen as the new helicopter?
The NH90 is a modern helicopter, which will form the cornerstone of the New Zealand Defence Force capability over the next 30 years. The helicopter incorporates new and sustainable technologies and will ensure greater compatibility with our security partners. The NH90 represents a substantial improvement on the Iroquois and will provide the NZDF with a contemporary, highly capable and deployable helicopter.
How many NH90 helicopters will the RNZAF get?
The Minister of Defence has signed a contract with NH Industries for the purchase of eight NH90 helicopters.
What will be the role of the NH90?
The NH90 will be used for frontline military and civil operations. It has the capability to support ground operations, counter terrorism, disaster relief, search and rescue and counter-drug operations. Police, Customs, Maritime NZ, Civil Defence, Foreign Affairs and Trade and NZAID and the Department of Conservation all will be able to make effective use of the NH90.
Is the NH90 compatible with other Defence Equipment?
The NH90 can carry up to 12 fully equipped soldiers or up to 19 lightly equipped passengers and lift an Army Light Operational Vehicle. Up to four NH90S will be able to be transported aboard the new Navy, Multi Role Vessel. The NH90 can be deployed by C130 Hercules aircraft, or self-deploy to Australia and most of the Pacific Islands.
How much will they cost?
The fleet of eight NH90s will be acquired with a logistics and support package which includes a range of ongoing provisions for spare parts, project costs, training, software, publications support and equipment. The total cost of eight NH90s and the full support and logistics package is $771million. The support and logistics costs represent over a third of this total. The budget for the helicopter project has been allocated through the ten-year Defence Long Term Development Plan
The final cost of the aircraft reflects a number of factors including the downward movement of the New Zealand dollar over the last year.
It also reflects that purchase from a commercial provider, NHI, as distinct from a purchase from the United States military, involves costing spare parts and logistics as part of the upfront capital costs.
When military equipment is purchased from the United States military through foreign military sales arrangements, spare parts are purchased on an as required basis and funded out of operating budgets.
Where does the Budget come from?
In 2002 the Government identified the Helicopter Capability Project as one of a range of critical Defence projects. The Government allocated a lump sum to Defence for redevelopment and refocus of the Defence Force through the ten-year Defence Long Term Development Plan. The purchase can be managed within the existing defence acquisition programme.
What is the timeline for getting the new helicopters?
The first helicopter is expected in New Zealand by early 2010, with the fleet fully in service in 2013.
Where will the new fleet be manufactured?
The fleet will be manufactured in France.
Will the NH90 be interoperable with our security Partners?
The NH90 has the cabin-size, lift capacity, self protection systems and communications systems that will ensure the aircraft are fully interoperable with our security partners.
What other countries operate the NH90?
Australia has purchased 46 NH90 to replace its Blackhawk and Navy Seaking Helicopters. Sweden, Finland, Oman and NATO countries France, Italy, Germany, The Netherlands, Portugal, Greece and Norway have also ordered the NH90 with other countries currently in negotiation with NH Industries.
How will the RNZAF transition from the Iroquois to the new NH90?
A transition plan, which will be updated as the Helicopter Project progresses, has been developed by the RNZAF. It takes into account the requirement to maintain an effective helicopter capability whilst also recruiting and training new and existing personnel. The Iroquois will be phased out by 2013
Where will the crews be trained?
Initial flying and maintenance training will be done overseas – once the helicopters have arrived in New Zealand, a domestic training programme will begin.
Where will the new helicopters operate from?
The NH90 will operate out of RNZAF Base Ohakea. New hangers that were already planned as part of the plan to consolidate air force operations at Ohakea will be sufficient for the new fleet.
Hon Phil Goff
Minister of Defence
31st July 2006
Media statement
New Helicopters Represent Quantum Leap Forward
Defence Minister, Phil Goff today signed a contract with NH Industries for the purchase of eight NH90 helicopters to replace the Royal New Zealand Air Force's fleet of ageing Iroquois.
"These new helicopters represent a quantum leap forward in terms of capabilities from our present Vietnam war era Iroquois helicopters.
"They are a vital enabler for all three Defence Force Services, for military and peacekeeping operations, for police and counter-terrorism work and for civil emergencies in New Zealand and the Pacific.
"This purchase is the last of the core capability projects on the ten year Long Term Development Plan, regarded as necessary to avoid policy failure.
"Ten years in development, the NH-90 represents current state of the art technology. It will be the cornerstone of the Defence Force capability over the next 30 years.
"The acquisition of these aircraft is an integral part of our new modernized, joint focussed Defence Force that is equipped with greater mobility through Light Operational Vehicles (Pinzgauers) and Light Armoured Vehicles, which will all be deployable in the new Multi-Role Vessel, HMNZS Canterbury.
"Compared to the Iroquois, the NH90 can carry 19 rather than 8 passengers or 12 fully equipped troops as opposed to 5.
"At 260 kilometres an hour cruise speed, it is more than a third faster.
"Its maximum range is 800 kilometres rather than 330.
"It can lift up to 4,000 kilograms rather than 820.
"Militarily it is far more versatile in deploying soldiers into action and in dealing with complex counter-terrorism operations.
"For deployments and disaster relief in the Pacific, with long range tanks the NH-90s can self-deploy.
"They are capable of lifting Light Operational Vehicles off the multi-role vessel in situations where there are no port facilities and landing craft cannot be used.
"For civil disasters in New Zealand or elsewhere, such as floods, earthquakes, snow, cyclones or tsunamis, they can operate for extended periods and with large loads in all weathers, day and night, with significant flexibility.
"For search and rescue, they have much greater reach and are better able to recover people in extreme environmental conditions.
"For border control, they can operate at night over land or sea in support of land and maritime interdiction operations against drug, illegal migrant or terrorist threats.
"The new aircraft have the additional advantage of being interoperable with the Australian Air Force which is purchasing 46 NH-90s.
The NH-90 is likely to become the most widely used medium utility helicopter among our security partners.
"The total cost of the NH-90s is $771 million. More than forty percent of this cost includes logistics and support, which includes spare parts, project costs, training, software and equipment, as well as currency hedging.
"This cost will be met within the existing Long Term Development Plan in which $3.3 billion has been invested.
"The first aircraft will arrive in New Zealand in 2010 and the fleet will be fully in service by 2013," Mr Goff said.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
NH90 Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the RNZAF need new helicopters?
The RNZAF Iroquois fleet has been in service for 40 years. The Iroquois no longer offers the load carrying capacity, self-protection, communications or navigation equipment required and available in a modern aircraft. The lack of capacity and capability increases the risk in military helicopter operations and limits the service the RNZAF helicopters can provide.
What is the NH90?
The NH90 is an advanced medium utility helicopter, capable of undertaking a wide variety of roles. It was developed to meet a European requirement to replace a range of aging helicopters. The NH90 is a product of more than 10 years of development and testing to meet stringent capability and low maintenance requirements.
Why was the NH90 chosen as the new helicopter?
The NH90 is a modern helicopter, which will form the cornerstone of the New Zealand Defence Force capability over the next 30 years. The helicopter incorporates new and sustainable technologies and will ensure greater compatibility with our security partners. The NH90 represents a substantial improvement on the Iroquois and will provide the NZDF with a contemporary, highly capable and deployable helicopter.
How many NH90 helicopters will the RNZAF get?
The Minister of Defence has signed a contract with NH Industries for the purchase of eight NH90 helicopters.
What will be the role of the NH90?
The NH90 will be used for frontline military and civil operations. It has the capability to support ground operations, counter terrorism, disaster relief, search and rescue and counter-drug operations. Police, Customs, Maritime NZ, Civil Defence, Foreign Affairs and Trade and NZAID and the Department of Conservation all will be able to make effective use of the NH90.
Is the NH90 compatible with other Defence Equipment?
The NH90 can carry up to 12 fully equipped soldiers or up to 19 lightly equipped passengers and lift an Army Light Operational Vehicle. Up to four NH90S will be able to be transported aboard the new Navy, Multi Role Vessel. The NH90 can be deployed by C130 Hercules aircraft, or self-deploy to Australia and most of the Pacific Islands.
How much will they cost?
The fleet of eight NH90s will be acquired with a logistics and support package which includes a range of ongoing provisions for spare parts, project costs, training, software, publications support and equipment. The total cost of eight NH90s and the full support and logistics package is $771million. The support and logistics costs represent over a third of this total. The budget for the helicopter project has been allocated through the ten-year Defence Long Term Development Plan
The final cost of the aircraft reflects a number of factors including the downward movement of the New Zealand dollar over the last year.
It also reflects that purchase from a commercial provider, NHI, as distinct from a purchase from the United States military, involves costing spare parts and logistics as part of the upfront capital costs.
When military equipment is purchased from the United States military through foreign military sales arrangements, spare parts are purchased on an as required basis and funded out of operating budgets.
Where does the Budget come from?
In 2002 the Government identified the Helicopter Capability Project as one of a range of critical Defence projects. The Government allocated a lump sum to Defence for redevelopment and refocus of the Defence Force through the ten-year Defence Long Term Development Plan. The purchase can be managed within the existing defence acquisition programme.
What is the timeline for getting the new helicopters?
The first helicopter is expected in New Zealand by early 2010, with the fleet fully in service in 2013.
Where will the new fleet be manufactured?
The fleet will be manufactured in France.
Will the NH90 be interoperable with our security Partners?
The NH90 has the cabin-size, lift capacity, self protection systems and communications systems that will ensure the aircraft are fully interoperable with our security partners.
What other countries operate the NH90?
Australia has purchased 46 NH90 to replace its Blackhawk and Navy Seaking Helicopters. Sweden, Finland, Oman and NATO countries France, Italy, Germany, The Netherlands, Portugal, Greece and Norway have also ordered the NH90 with other countries currently in negotiation with NH Industries.
How will the RNZAF transition from the Iroquois to the new NH90?
A transition plan, which will be updated as the Helicopter Project progresses, has been developed by the RNZAF. It takes into account the requirement to maintain an effective helicopter capability whilst also recruiting and training new and existing personnel. The Iroquois will be phased out by 2013
Where will the crews be trained?
Initial flying and maintenance training will be done overseas – once the helicopters have arrived in New Zealand, a domestic training programme will begin.
Where will the new helicopters operate from?
The NH90 will operate out of RNZAF Base Ohakea. New hangers that were already planned as part of the plan to consolidate air force operations at Ohakea will be sufficient for the new fleet.
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(takes up grenade)
(prepare to throw ..... remove pin ...)
Don't think the RNZAF will be compatible with ANY RAAF NH-90s. We got smart over here and put all the rotary wing assets where they belonged in 1987.
(throw!)
(down ....... )
Awaiting explosion
(prepare to throw ..... remove pin ...)
Don't think the RNZAF will be compatible with ANY RAAF NH-90s. We got smart over here and put all the rotary wing assets where they belonged in 1987.
(throw!)
(down ....... )
Awaiting explosion
I agree with Big Mike you would get a lot more Blackhawks for the money ,but the Kiwi's have had closer ties with the Europeans than Australia, after all the Kiwi's are known as South Sea Island Poms!!
and to take the bait from AWBD and Chinook!!!!
when I was at 9 Sqn in 1989 we still had 8 Blackhawks with Air Force on the side (started painting ARMY on them after Valentines day Feb 89) and 5 Sqn and 35 Sqn had RAAF helos for at least another year!!!!
but thats all ancient history now you can't change things even if it's wrong
and to take the bait from AWBD and Chinook!!!!
when I was at 9 Sqn in 1989 we still had 8 Blackhawks with Air Force on the side (started painting ARMY on them after Valentines day Feb 89) and 5 Sqn and 35 Sqn had RAAF helos for at least another year!!!!
but thats all ancient history now you can't change things even if it's wrong
My first reaction was the same as Big Mikes. Why not the Blackhawk? Its so versatile and more practical than the NH90. The 90 is a huge aircraft, great for SAR offshore but still 'new' and largely untried in comparison to the BH. Why don't the airforce ask a couple of us civvys for advice on a machine? Look at the ballsup with the Kaman and the Tiger in OZ. Change the vote: go the Sikorsky.
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Steve76,
I do not agree with you that the NH90 is so huge. In size it is comparable with the Blackhawk/Seahawk and the Puma.
It is quite through that it still has to prove itself, but it has good potential....
I do not agree with you that the NH90 is so huge. In size it is comparable with the Blackhawk/Seahawk and the Puma.
It is quite through that it still has to prove itself, but it has good potential....
Why not the Blackhawk?? Because it is an old unreliable piece of pooh. We'd be better off buying more UH-1's than getting Blackhawks!!
As for the ballsup with the Kaman in Aussie, well, you said it. In Aussie. In NZ, the Kaman has been flying now quite happily for 8 years. Kiwi SH-2G have been flying since they were delivered, unlike across the ditch. Don't confuse aircraft problems with stooopid people trying to integrate too many systems together in one machine. Knowing the RNZAF (or what is left of it), they will have gone over all available choices, including the Blackhawk, and will be going for the best value for money, because they know it will have to last at least 40 years, also helps that Aussie is getting them, so there will be future fleet commonality, to a point.
Now now, there is no need for name calling. Just because you lost the rugby.....again 
As for the ballsup with the Kaman in Aussie, well, you said it. In Aussie. In NZ, the Kaman has been flying now quite happily for 8 years. Kiwi SH-2G have been flying since they were delivered, unlike across the ditch. Don't confuse aircraft problems with stooopid people trying to integrate too many systems together in one machine. Knowing the RNZAF (or what is left of it), they will have gone over all available choices, including the Blackhawk, and will be going for the best value for money, because they know it will have to last at least 40 years, also helps that Aussie is getting them, so there will be future fleet commonality, to a point.
after all the Kiwi's are known as South Sea Island Poms!!
The Kiwi's should buy the remaining UH1's (and Gunship kits) and 35 Blackhawks off the Australian Army(cheap of course), then when the NH 90 and Tigers are a flop (thats right!, the tigers don't meet spec already!) they can rent them back to use!!!!
The money they make on the rental would pay for about a dozen Blackhawks upgraded to UH60M spec for the RNZAF.
The money they make on the rental would pay for about a dozen Blackhawks upgraded to UH60M spec for the RNZAF.
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noooby said this about Hawks, "Because it is an old unreliable piece of pooh"
Nice thoughts but the enemies of the US have found out otherwise. About 50% of the aircraft in Iraq, and 60% of the aircraft in Desert Storm have been H-60's, including ALL airplanes, helos, and blimps. They typically amass about 60% of the combat flight time of the combined air fleet, as well. That is because they work like horses. The typical US Army availability is over 85%, and many units have 90%, because it is relatively easy to maintian.
If you think Hueys are better, you have had your head in the sand for about 25 years, and frankly, know little about combat helos. It is like comparing Hummers to Mini-Coopers, on every possible attribute.
Nice thoughts but the enemies of the US have found out otherwise. About 50% of the aircraft in Iraq, and 60% of the aircraft in Desert Storm have been H-60's, including ALL airplanes, helos, and blimps. They typically amass about 60% of the combat flight time of the combined air fleet, as well. That is because they work like horses. The typical US Army availability is over 85%, and many units have 90%, because it is relatively easy to maintian.
If you think Hueys are better, you have had your head in the sand for about 25 years, and frankly, know little about combat helos. It is like comparing Hummers to Mini-Coopers, on every possible attribute.
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New Shiny things vs tried and tested
Black Hawk variant = combat tested and interoperable
NH-90 variant = new and not yet proven.
MH-60K with glass = same technology with heritage.
thousands of hours hawk and still adding to my log book. Great machine. Thanks to Sikorsky and to folks like Nick that test flew the aircraft into service. The program has suceeded on an enormous scale.
Max
NH-90 variant = new and not yet proven.
MH-60K with glass = same technology with heritage.
thousands of hours hawk and still adding to my log book. Great machine. Thanks to Sikorsky and to folks like Nick that test flew the aircraft into service. The program has suceeded on an enormous scale.
Max
I'm with Max: the Black Hawk is definately no piece of poo. It is the ants pants.
If flying into harms way - that is the machine I want to be in. Prefer it in the predator mode though! Always struck me as a mistake in the Tiger Project to put AFS with Recce and not with utility. Recce needs to be small and sensor heavy, utility can be big enough to carry sufficient hate. We should have bought less Tigers and some Predator Black Hawks. Still have "commonallity" but can now do the job!
But the NH-90 may well prove to be a good battlefield helo as well...time will tell us that. However, I think it is always a risky business for a small country like Australia to buy anything other than American purely for interoperability and supportability. Even more so for NZ. NZ and Aus should try and align their buys for the same reason.
The yanks shoot down chinooks that dont look like theirs, and even have a go at the Lynx even though it is a common type of their biggest Ally. Imagine how they will react to seeing a Tiger or NH-90 fly past???
put my arse in the hawk please......
If flying into harms way - that is the machine I want to be in. Prefer it in the predator mode though! Always struck me as a mistake in the Tiger Project to put AFS with Recce and not with utility. Recce needs to be small and sensor heavy, utility can be big enough to carry sufficient hate. We should have bought less Tigers and some Predator Black Hawks. Still have "commonallity" but can now do the job!
But the NH-90 may well prove to be a good battlefield helo as well...time will tell us that. However, I think it is always a risky business for a small country like Australia to buy anything other than American purely for interoperability and supportability. Even more so for NZ. NZ and Aus should try and align their buys for the same reason.
The yanks shoot down chinooks that dont look like theirs, and even have a go at the Lynx even though it is a common type of their biggest Ally. Imagine how they will react to seeing a Tiger or NH-90 fly past???
put my arse in the hawk please......
Nick, with respect, the UH-1 is better for NZ than the Blackhawk at this point in time, and the NH-90 allows for more future expansion in roles than the Blackhawk (range, capacity, lifting power). That is why they looked at the Blackhawk and rejected it. I'm not surprised that 50% of the aircraft in Iraq are Blackhawks, thats because it is mostly Americans fighting there, and they have lots of Blackhawks.
So you're saying that a Hummer is ALWAYS better than a Mini Cooper?? Bold statement, and quite plainly wrong. Hence, for NZ the UH-1 is better suited than the Blackhawk. As a former Sikorsky bod, you should know that understanding your customers requirements is critical to a successful outcome.
True though, I do know little about combat helos. I was only a mechanic and door gunner on them for a few years. Woe is me.
RFP's were asked for. Bids were placed and evaluated (over a looooooonnnnnnngggggg period of time). The copter that best met the requirements of the RNZAF won.
So you're saying that a Hummer is ALWAYS better than a Mini Cooper?? Bold statement, and quite plainly wrong. Hence, for NZ the UH-1 is better suited than the Blackhawk. As a former Sikorsky bod, you should know that understanding your customers requirements is critical to a successful outcome.
True though, I do know little about combat helos. I was only a mechanic and door gunner on them for a few years. Woe is me.
RFP's were asked for. Bids were placed and evaluated (over a looooooonnnnnnngggggg period of time). The copter that best met the requirements of the RNZAF won.
Blackhawk versus NH-90
I think a distinction should be made between future expansion and combat proven. Given this date as the starting point and giving the NH-90 the benefit of the doubt both aircraft start even today. The NH-90 was designed as an alternative to the Blackhawk. As such it is constrained by many of the same design points as built into the Blackhawk 30 years ago. Right now the Blackhawk is ahead with millions of proven flight hours and an S-92 leading the way utilizing many potential Blackhawk upgrades. The new composite blades and the glass cockpit are just two examples. Once an NH-90 is run through a gauntlet similar to what the Blackhawk experienced in Grenada and flies out the other end with its crew in tact, only then it can be compared. 
