The third of five prototype NH90 utility/transport helicopters has taken to the air at Eurocopter's Marignane plant. The aircraft is the first to be fitted with the core avionics system, comprising automatic flight controls, navigation, communication and identification, plant management system and "glass cockpit". The first prototype has now accumulated 84h flying time, powered by General Electric T700s, as well as the 160h with original Rolls-Royce/ Turboméca RTM322s. The second machine continues fly-by-wire flight control system testing and has built up 120h flying time. Construction of the remaining two aircraft is "on schedule", according to NHI.
Source: Flight International
