The helicopter was then flown to Luleå for conversion in its final configuration. The FMV has ordered 18 Helikopters 14, nine in TTT/SAR for land operations designated HKP14E and nine in SAR/ASW for maritime operations designated HKP14F. These can be equipped with dipping sonar and tactical radar for submarine hunting.
The entire fleet is flown by the Swedish Air Force. The Swedish NH90 have a special HCV (High Cabin Version) configuration: The cabin height has been increased from 157 to 182 centimeters.
The NH90 in its NFH variant is already in service with the navies of Italy, France, Norway, Belgium and the Netherlands, and has been selected by Qatar and Germany. In Germany, they will be known as the “Sea Tiger” and “multi-role frigate helicopter” (MRFH).
According to Airbus Helicopters, the NH90’s NFH version is a ship-based compact maritime helicopter, one of the primary maritime weapon systems for any surface fleet. Operating from shore or warships up to sea state 6, the helicopter is tailored for full capability in both anti-submarine (ASW) and anti-surface unit (ASuW) warfare. Search and rescue operations can be performed in either of these configurations. Complementary roles include maritime surveillance and control, airborne warning control, logistic transport and utility support, vertical replenishment (VERTREP), casualty evacuation (CASEVAC) and special operations – including counter terrorism and anti-piracy.
