The first Dutch NH90 Helicopter, the NNLN001, has been presented during Heldair Airshow

The first Dutch NH90 Helicopter, the NNLN001, has been presented during Heldair Airshow, a joint event of Den Helder Airport and "Marine Vliegkamp de Kooij", the navy base in den Helder. It is the first time that the Dutch NH90 Helicopter in NFH (Nato Frigate Helicopter) version has set foot in the Netherlands. The NNLN001 performed its maiden flight on the 10th august 2007 in Italy. 20 NH90's have been ordered by the Dutch navy to replace the actual fleet of Lynx helicopters. The first is expected to enter service in 2009.

The NH90 NFH variant is primarily designed for autonomous Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) and Anti Surface Warfare (ASuW) missions. The intrinsic characteristics and comprehensive mission equipment packages allow an unequalled range of additional operations: Search and Rescue (SAR), maritime patrol, vertical replenishment, troop transport, medical services and “Utility” roles. The helicopter is designed for day & night/adverse weather/severe ship motion environment operations. Due to its weight and dimensions, the deck-lock system, the deck traversing system and the automatic blade and tail folding system, it can operate from/to small Frigates. The NH90 modern platform and system technology will provide real operational advantages for the next 30 years with significant growth potential capabilities.

Stork Fokker is responsible for the design and production of the tail, the landing gear, the door and the sponsons of the NH90. The company is a partner in NHindustries the industrial consortium for the production of the NH90.

The NH90 firm orders today have reached 495 units plus 60 contractual options and more than 98 “selections” (for which the definition of the detailed specification are on-going with the Customers) The NH90 is going to equip and modernize the Armed Forces of France, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands, Portugal, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Greece, Oman, Australia, New-Zealand, Spain and Belgium. Final negotiation steps are yet under process with several other Defences for additional NH90, both in the Tactical Transport and Naval versions. This event is an important achievement both for the Royal Netherlands Navy helicopters and for the overall NH90 naval Programme.