Air force's new $770m helicopter cops harsh criticism

Testing of early models of the NH90 revealed several deficiencies. Photo / Supplied

A military helicopter at the centre of a $770 million New Zealand Air Force upgrade has copped harsh criticism in a German Army report into its performance.

Defence Minister Wayne Mapp and his ministry were last night defending the Nato Helicopter Industry's NH90 multi-purpose helicopter after the US-based Defence News last week published a story quoting the report's findings.

The 103-page report claimed the choppers - which the New Zealand Defence Force has ordered to replace its ageing Iroquois fleet - had an extremely limited capability and recommended the use of alternative aircraft "whenever possible in any operating scenario".

Dr Mapp told the Herald last night he had every confidence the NH90s would perform all the required military functions well.

"They will be a cornerstone of the Defence Force's capability in the future. Like the Navy's new patrol vessels, they will be used to support the work of many other agencies, such as the police and customs."

Germany has ordered 122 of the choppers for the Army and Air Force at a cost of about $9.1 billion. However, testing of early models revealed several deficiencies.

The helicopter's other faults include a rear ramp unable to hold fully equipped personnel, a weak floor that can be cracked by heavy boots and a lack of clearance that could stop troops from easily getting in and out.

Troops disembarking the chopper could also be sitting ducks in a combat situation as the lack of space means there is no room for a door-mounted defensive machine gun.

And heavier military personnel had better watch out when sitting in the NH90, as the seats are considered capable of holding only those weighing less than 110kg, fully kitted out.

The German Army's latest Infantrie der Zukunft (Future Soldier) personal equipment weighs 25kg on its own, Defence News said.

The Government in 2006 signed a deal to purchase eight of the helicopters for a total cost of $772 million. They will replace the 14-strong Iroquois fleet, some of which have already been mothballed.

The first of the French-made NH90s is due to be delivered for training, in France, in December. All eight choppers - plus one extra to be used for parts - should be handed over by April 2012.

Defence deputy secretary of acquisitions Des Ashton last night told the Herald the ministry was aware of the report, and many of the problems raised would be talked through with the European manufacturers, or other armed forces as the delivery date neared.


The NH90:

* Manufacturer: Nato Helicopter Industries (Europe).

* Cost: About $96 million.

* Max Speed: 300km/h (164 Kts).

* Range: 780km.

* Crew: Two pilots and one or two crewmen.

* Capacity: 19 passengers.