LUXURY AND UTILITY COMBINED - Eurocopter

22 FEATURED ARTICLES
Two of the major innovations of the NH90 are the unique rotor-blade folding system and the
THE NH90,
A SHOWCASE FOR
NEW TECHNOLOGIES
The cutting-edge technology developed for the NH90 has made quite a reputation
for the helicopter, now considered to be one of the most ambitious programs
in the world to be launched over the past 20 years.
The NH90 integrates a full gamut of
innovative equipment, making it the
most modern helicopter of its generation.
In addition to its advanced avionics
suite, electronic systems are now used in a
wide range of applications.
- The introduction of fly-by-wire controls. The
NH90 was the first helicopter in the world to
obtain ADS-33C qualification for its handling
qualities. The helicopter has demonstrated
that it is possible to achieve level-1 flying
quality, the highest level obtainable, with fly-
ROTOR JOURNAL - NO.87 - OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2010
ARTICLE: CHRISTIAN DA SILVA
by-wire controls. This level was required by
the contract and is synonymous with high
pilot ratings for handling.
A key feature of the fly-by-wire technology is
that it reduces the pilot’s workload so that
he can remain fully concentrated on his mission,
but it offers many other advantages
as well. Its full-authority capabilities offer
significantly improved flying quality (better
flight control decoupling, improved handling
and stability), and has made it possible
to reduce the helicopter weight: The flight
© Jérôme Deulin / Eurocopter
control shielding to protect against ballistic
vulnerability has been reduced thanks to the
system’s redundant, segregated setup. This
redundant architecture is required for flight
safety, but it also offers the helicopter higher
availability levels and ensures greater mission
reliability.
- A deicing system for the carbon rotor
blades, which offer an increased service life
and reduced maintenance.
- A fire detection system. This new technology,
based on an optical detection