New helicopters not operational – Norwegian operations in the Arctic suffer
Norwegian daily Aftenposten reports that the new NH90 helicopters acquired by the Norwegian Ministry of Defence cannot be sufficiently secured onboard ships and are therefore not operational yet. As a result, both day-to-day operations and rescue services are at risk.
Norwegian daily Aftenposten reports that the new NH90 helicopters acquired by the Norwegian Ministry of Defence cannot be sufficiently secured onboard ships and they are therefore not operational yet. As a result, both day-to-day operations and rescue services suffer.
16 years ago, Norway ordered 14 new NH90 helicopters to replace their aging Lynx helicopters. Six of them have been delivered so far, according to Aftenposten, yet none of them are operational. The six NH90 helicopters are only used in test flights so far.
While the new helicopters are larger than their predecessors, the ships from which they will operate are smaller than before. As a result, there is fear that the helicopters shall risk damaging if parked onboard while out in rough seas, as securing measures may prove insufficient.
As a result, their effect and reach in both day-to-day operations and during rescue operations are significantly reduced, according to Aftenposten.