Qatar's helicopter modernisation programme has first milestone

The first of Qatar’s NH-90 variants took first flight from Venice earlier this month. Source: NH Industries

Qatar has orders for 16 troop transport variants and 12 naval helicopters, the first of which will be delivered by the end of 2021. The delivery schedule will run until 2025.
The flights allowed crews to evaluate general handling and basic systems and the helicopters performed as expected, Leonardo said.
NHI is a three-way consortium comprising Airbus Helicopters, Leonardo Helicopters and Fokker. The Italian firm is prime contractor for the Qatar $3.6 billion contract.
The NH-90 NFH is the ship-based version is tailored for full capability in both anti-submarine (ASW) and anti-surface (ASuW) warfare. Search and rescue operations can also be performed in both land and sea configurations. Advanced navigation and ship landing aids enable the helicopter to perform safe landings in day/night and adverse weather conditions, supplemented by a deck lock device for securing the touchdown in high sea states.
The NH90 TTHs is the variant for land operations. Airbus will be responsible for the final assembly and delivery of 16 NH90 TTH aircraft from its facility in Marignane, France while Leonardo will be responsible for final assembly and delivery of the 12 NH90 NFH helicopters from its Venice – Tessera facility in Northern Italy.
As part of the plan, Qatar will also receive 16 H125 light single-engine helicopters in training configuration for operation by the Qatar Armed Forces Air Academy. NHI is also supplying simulators, training aids, and extensive maintenance support and training services package for aircrews and maintenance technicians.