The first of 20 Royal Netherlands Navy NH Industries NH90 maritime helicopters has made its first flight from partner company AgustaWestland's Vergiate production facility in Italy.
Conducted on 10 August, the approximately 20min debut represented a welcome boost for the troubled Dutch programme, with first production deliveries to its navy having slipped by more than 15 months until at least mid-2009.
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Caused by factors including the late development and test of key mission equipment, the delay has forced the Netherlands to extend operations of 10 of its current AgustaWestland Lynx shipborne helicopters as an interim step.
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Source: FlightGlobal.com
