The Spanish Army has taken delivery of two Airbus NH90 tactical transport helicopters, as part of a deal to acquire 22 NH90s in total.
The NH90s, renamed as HT-29 Caimans by the Army, will operate as part of the Spanish Army Airmobile Force’s (FAMET) Third Manoeuvre Helicopter Battalion (BHELMA III).
The first helicopter in the order was already delivered earlier this month, with plans to deliver two additional NH90s by this year end, bringing the number of aircraft delivered to five.
Airbus will deliver 22 NH90 helicopters to the Spanish Armed Forces by 2021.
The Spanish version of the NH90, the GSPA, is designed to perform troop transport, search and rescue, personnel recovery and medical evacuation missions.
The Spanish Ministry of Defense and Airbus signed a deal in December 2014 for NH90 GSPA tactical transport helicopters, which were assembled at the company’s plant in Albacete.
Certification for the aircraft has been completed by the company in collaboration with the Directorate General of Armament and Equipment (DGAM).
The aircraft will be used to provide training for the first squad of army pilots qualified to fly the helicopter.
Available in tactical troop transport (TTH) and Nato Frigate Helicopter (NFH) versions, the NH90 medium class multi-role aircraft has been designed in compliance with the Nato standards.
The aircraft can be used for day and night operations in adverse conditions, Airbus said in a statement.
Image: The NH90 is entering into service for the first time with the Spanish Army. Photo: courtesy of Airbus Helicopters.
