Page 79 - Air Forces Monthly - September 2017

The advanced cockpit of the
NH90 represents a generational
leap forward compared to the
1970s-era AB212. The SH-90A’s
fully glass cockpit includes fi ve
multifunction displays and
standby instruments and is
compatible with NVGs and helmet-
mounted display systems.
is similar to that used on the Italian SH-101A order to fulfil the most demanding missions (NFH) and ten TTHs for the Italian Navy.
(EH101) and has a quoted underwater range in the harshest weather conditions. This The local SH-90A designation for the
of ‘tens of nautical miles’ using active and helicopter constitutes a force multiplier as NFH was officially adopted in 2012.
passive modes to detect and classify signals well as the long arm of the fleet by providing When first delivered the SH-90A was
that are analysed by an onboard database. over-the-horizon surface awareness, and capable of performing crew training, SAR
The helicopter is qualified to use Marte is capable of a diverse range of naval missions and utility operations. Anti-
MK2/S missiles against surface targets or missions. Its unique aerodynamics, latest submarine and anti-surface warfare
MU90 torpedoes against sub-surface threats. generation of glass cockpit avionics and fly- capabilities were introduced when aircraft
In the cabin, the SH-90A can be equipped with by-wire technology underline the value of were retrofitted to Final Operational
the Dillon Aero M134D 7.62mm machine gun. the SH-90 as a multipurpose helicopter.” Capability (FOC) standard, which began to
Italian Navy crews are extremely arrive with the fleet in November 2013.
proud of their most recent asset. Expanding capabilities Once FOC was achieved, the SH-90A’s
Capitano di Fregata Ciro Sannino is an The SH-90A was first delivered to the main missions became ASW and anti-
SH-90A pilot and leads the 4° Gruppo Italian Navy on June 23, 2011 in an surface warfare and the aircraft was
Elicotteri (4th Helicopter Squadron). interim Meaningful Operational Capability cleared for the Marte MK2/S and MU90.
He summarised the benefits of the (MOC) standard. The first delivery to the In addition, the SH-90A can be deployed
helicopter. “The SH-90 is the most modern Italian Navy followed a contract signed for transport of personnel, materiel and
and the best naval helicopter in its class, with NHIndustries in June 2000. This troops, SAR operations and medevac.
designed to meet NATO requirements, with included a batch of 60 Tactical Transport The Italian Navy maintains two SH-90As
safety and versatility Helicopters (TTH) for the Italian Army on 24/7 alert, one at Maristaeli Luni and the
in mind, in plus 46 NATO Frigate Helicopters other at Grottaglie.

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