Fokker Aerospace Group delivers first tail section for NH90 helicopter
03-06-2003
Quarter of a billion euro turnover for Dutch industry
Fokker Aerostructures in Papendrecht today delivered the first complete tail section for the new NH90 helicopter. This delivery marks the start of series production for the European NH90 helicopter programme by the Dutch industry. This programme is a joint effort by the international NHI consortium, consisting of Eurocopter (France and Germany), Agusta (Italy) and Fokker Aerospace Group (Netherlands). Production was initially intended to reach a total of 254 aircraft for use by the participating countries. In addition, the project is developing into a successful export programme, with orders now received from 3 countries for a further 52 helicopters.
The contribution to the European consortium by the Dutch industry, for which Fokker Aerospace Group acts as national consortium leader, comprises the design and production of:
- the complete tail sections (Fokker Aerospace Group)
- the cabin doors (Fokker Aerospace Group)
- the wheel housings (Fokker Aerospace Group)
- the landing gear (SP aerospace&vehicle systems)
- a software module for the main computer (Netherlands National Aerospace Laboratory NLR)
The operating company involved in this project, Fokker Aerostructures, part of Fokker Aerospace Group, makes as much use as possible of advanced composite materials for the construction of the tail sections, sponsons and doors to reduce weight.
The Dutch participation in the project represents 5.5% of the total programme value. The initial series production of 254 aircraft involves a turnover for Dutch industry of approximately EUR 200 million (as announced in 2000), to be spread over a period of
15 years. The 52 additional aircraft ordered by Finland, Norway and Sweden, represent a further turnover of approximately EUR 40 million. Interest is also being shown by other countries outside Europe.
The NH90 is a medium-weight military helicopter which will be used for tactical transport and anti-submarine operations. In the Netherlands the NH90 will replace the Lynx helicopters of the Royal Netherlands Navy.
Characteristics of the NH90 include its excellent handling qualities (fly-by-wire) and the extensive use of composite materials, which enable maintenance costs to be significantly reduced throughout the lifecycle. All innovations have been successfully tested on a total of five prototypes during the Design & Development phase. The governments of France, Germany, Italy and the Netherlands subsequently signed a production contract in 2000 with the consortium (which was joined by Portugal in 2001). The final assembly will take place in France, Germany and Italy. The first series-produced helicopter is scheduled to fly in 2004.
Fokker Aerospace Group designs and produces structural components and wiring systems for commercial and military aircraft and aerospace applications. The group achieved a turnover of EUR 411 million in 2002 with 3,225 employees, out of the total Stork turnover of EUR 2 billion.
Press information:
Stork N.V.
Dick Kors
Tel.: +31 (0)35 695 75 75 or +31 (0)6 51 98 40 54