Norway hopes to acquire up to six additional NH90 transport helicopters to support operations involving its special forces personnel from 2009, says outgoing air force chief of staff Maj Gen Tomas Colin Archer.
The NH Industries-supplied aircraft will provide an operational improvement over the air force Bell 412SPs currently assigned to special forces duties, providing enhanced night-vision capabilities and increased lift capacity. The 720 Sqn-operated 412s have already been equipped with cockpit armour following an announcement earlier this year to assign the aircraft for special forces support, and they are also to receive new transmissions.
Oslo has already ordered 14 NH90s for use by its navy and coastguard, and the air force says a follow-on order will provide benefits in terms of commonality and logistics support.
CRAIG HOYLE / OSLO
Source: Flight International
