Requirement Basis

“The NH90 meets the needs of a modern military customer”

The NH90 is designed against a NATO staff requirement for a multi-role, medium sized military helicopter that provides the benefits of fleet standardisation for both land and maritime operations.


The NH90 design basis

  • Design Standard against FAR 29 and MIL-STDS.
  • Airworthiness system in accordance with the military processes for Germany, France, Italy and the Netherlands.
  • Flight envelope from sea level to 6,000 metres (20,000 ft).
  • Temperature range from -40° C to +50 C°.
  • Operation in continuous icing conditions in accordance with DEF-STN 00-970.
  • Operation in all weather - day and night.
  • Operation at sea and from ship in high sea states.
  • Operation from unprepared landing and sloped surfaces
  • .
  • Operation with armed systems.
  • Mission system in accordance with MIL-STD 1553 with a dual redundant databus.


  • Interoperability
  • Multi redundant fly-by-wire flight control system.
  • Electro Magnetic Compatibility (EMC) and resistance to Electro Magnetic Interference (EMI).
  • Deployable.