“We’re the first country to do it, and it’s happened incredibly quickly,” said Squadron Leader Austin Smith, Capability Development Officer. The upgrade allows the helicopters to fully integrate into New Zealand’s controlled airspace and meet civil aviation requirements.
Originally, the upgrade was to be conducted in Europe by NH Industries (NHI) technicians over a three-year period. However, due to the high work standards of the New Zealand Defence Force’s Deeper Maintenance team, the project was approved for local completion.
The Ministry of Defence also sourced critical equipment from a retired Australian Defence Force NH90. This meant the fleet could be upgraded without grounding any aircraft, allowing all eight helicopters to be modified simultaneously.
According to Squadron Leader Smith, the upgrade improves operational effectiveness, with coalition forces now able to identify RNZAF NH90s as friendly aircraft. “The upgrade includes the latest generation of secure inter-aircraft communications, Saturn, to enable secure communications between aircraft in a combat environment,” he said.
The updated software also brings the fleet into compliance with ADS-B OUT regulations, which govern aircraft identification broadcasts. “We’ve had a dispensation for the Air Force to operate without ADS-B OUT, but this now enables us to operate without restriction,” Squadron Leader Smith noted.
An important operational benefit is the helicopter’s improved hovering capabilities, especially useful in low-visibility “brownout” conditions. “It also allows us to hover automatically over water lower than previously able, enhancing the safety of activities like Special Forces entering the water from the helicopter,” he added.
Ministry of Defence Domain Director Pete Fitness highlighted the significance of the upgrade for fleet safety and efficiency. “In the future we will look at delivering more software and hardware that will enable additional communication functions and performance-based navigation,” he said.
While other nations operating NH90s committed to the upgrade earlier, New Zealand is the first to complete the full fleet update. “This will allow the helicopter to operate more efficiently in civil air traffic control environments,” Mr Fitness confirmed.
Source: Royal New Zealand Air Force.
