200th production NH90 delivered to Belgium

Belgium's military has taken delivery of its first twin-engine NH90 tactical transport helicopter from NHIndustries, the company reports.

The NH90 was the 200th production aircraft by the France-based company, which is owned by Airbus Helicopters, AgustaWestland and Fokker.

"In the name of NHI and its partner companies, I am really honored to deliver this NH90 TTH to Belgium," said Vincent Dubrule, president of NHIndustries. "With this versatile, safe and interoperable aircraft, NHI is proud to contribute to the enhancement of Belgian Defense capabilities.

"This 200th delivery is the result of the efforts of industry to ramp up the delivery rate of the NH90 since this new generation helicopter is in high demand by its end users."

The NH90, introduced into service in 2007, has a maximum speed of 186 miles per hour, a range of 497 miles and a service ceiling of 20,000 feet.

The NH90 TTH delivered was only the third new tactical transport helicopter variant delivered so far.

NHI made the delivery this week at an NH90 conference at the German Army Aviation School in Buckeburg, which will become an international training center for a number of military helicopter types.