The Belgian government has advanced its December 2005 selection of the NH Industries NH90 by agreeing a firm order for eight aircraft and taking formal membership of the NATO helicopter management organisation responsible for the multinational project. Belgium is to acquire four aircraft each in the tactical transport and naval configurations for duties including troop transport and search and rescue. It has also taken options on a further two aircraft, against an original plan to buy 10 NH90s.
Eurocopter subsidiary Australian Aerospace launched the final assembly of its first MRH90 medium-lift helicopter for the Australian armed forces in Brisbane, Queensland last week. The nation will receive its first two of 42 MRH90s late this year.
Source: Flight International
