New Zealand Enhances NH90 Helicopter Fleet with Major Upgrades
Wellington, New Zealand – The New Zealand government has awarded a significant contract to NH Industries for essential hardware and software upgrades to the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s NH90 helicopter fleet. This initiative is part of the Operational and Regulatory Aviation Compliance Sustainment (ORACS) project, aimed at modernizing the country’s air capabilities to meet both current and future operational demands.
Under the ORACS project, key enhancements will include the integration of new navigation systems that align with updated requirements from the New Zealand Civil Aviation Authority. In addition, the NH90 helicopters will undergo modifications to their encrypted radio communication systems, ensuring greater connectivity during missions.
NH Industries is set to manage the upgrade of all eight NH90 aircraft, which have been operational since 2015 with No. 3 Squadron, based at Ohakea Air Force Base. The project is anticipated to run until 2030, with all associated works to be conducted within New Zealand.
Frank Dyer, Integrated Project Team Leader at the New Zealand Defence Ministry, emphasized the country’s pioneering role, stating, “New Zealand is the first country which uses the NH90 helicopter that will undertake the work to retrofit the navigation system and upgrade the secure communication system.” He added that the upgrades will be tested in collaboration with sub-contractor Airbus Australia Pacific using specialized software test rigs located in Brisbane, Australia.
The NH90 helicopter, measuring 19.6 meters in length and boasting a rotor diameter of 16.3 meters, weighs in at 11,000 kilograms. It is powered by twin Rolls-Royce Turbomecca engines, each delivering 2,227 horsepower, providing a range of 380 nautical miles and a top speed of 285 kilometers per hour, with an impressive four-hour endurance capability.
With the ability to transport up to 18 personnel, the NH90 helicopters are equipped with ballistic armor, electronic warfare systems, and are armed with mounted automatic machine guns. They play a vital role in tactical air mobility deployments, personnel transport, casualty evacuations, equipment logistics, as well as supporting police operations, search and rescue missions, and counter-terrorism responses.
This modernization initiative reaffirms New Zealand’s commitment to maintaining a robust and technologically advanced air force, ensuring the NH90 helicopters continue to meet the evolving demands of military and civil operations.
