NH90: Greater innovation

With even greater digitalisation and enhanced operational capabilities, the NH90 Standard 2 remains a generation ahead of the competition.

At the end of the 1980s, NATO identified the need for an all-weather, versatile and powerful helicopter. Four nations – France, Germany, the Netherlands and Italy – joined forces to develop an innovative aircraft. Today, the NH90 is a huge commercial, technical and operational success. Building on this success is the challenge facing Standard 2, currently under development at the initiative of the French special forces.

A technical ambition

‘Standard 2 represents a major evolution of the NH90,’ explains the 4th Special Forces Helicopter Regiment of the French Army Light Aviation (ALAT) unit. “It gives the aircraft new operational capabilities in terms of the deployment and recovery of commandos, and even fire support in complex environments. The increased digitalisation of its avionics also provides greater flight safety in degraded conditions and improved communication capabilities.”

The cornerstone of these new capabilities is the Euroflir 410 optronic turret fitted to the Standard 2, which integrates several sensors at different wavelengths. These include a laser rangefinder, an infrared laser pointer for target designation to guide cooperative fire, and a laser illuminator with a wide beam, also in infrared frequencies, which can illuminate dark areas at night for the pilots. Flight engineers seated between the two pilots have their own full HD screen and direct control of the turret for optimal use. This control can also be shared with the flight commander during different phases of the mission. The flight commander also has a digital tablet, equipped with a tactical information system, enabling them to control not only the Euroflir 410 but also all radio stations.

Fitted in the nose of the aircraft above the Euroflir 410, the Distributed Aperture System (DAS) multispectral and panoramic sensors will provide the crew with better visibility in poor flying conditions (snow, dust, fog), day or night. This capability will be integrated into Standard 2 in a second phase.

The integration of the Euroflir 410 and DAS is supported by the introduction of a new generation of TopOwl headsets, which can combine the displays of both sensors on their fully digitalised visors.

Serving the troops

Innovation extends far beyond the cockpit to the cargo hold. Initial focus is on the installation of a ‘KAMORA’ (removable radio kit) bay to enhance interoperability with other battlefield participants.

“Integrating a new communications system is a complex and costly process,” explains an officer from the 4th Special Forces Helicopter Regiment. “The NH90 Standard 2 comes pre-equipped with antennas and cabling to accommodate any type of new radio installation. Voice, data, satellite transmission – everything can be installed quickly and easily in the helicopter, which also has the capacity to control drones. It’s revolutionary...”

The cargo hold itself has been modified by relocating defensive weapons to open hatches at the back of the fuselage. This leaves the doors completely clear to soldiers, or for aerial rope operations, which can also be managed from the rear ramp. The aircraft can, of course, still use external fuel tanks, giving it a range of over 1,000 km.

Manufacturers were advised of the contracts for Standard 2 in October 2020. Flight testing for the initial prototype started in June 2024, and production of the first aircraft began in early 2025. The 18 aircraft ordered by France will be delivered between 2026 and 2029, with the first delivery taking place in July 2026.