RUAG performs NH90 helicopter inspection for German Bundeswehr

RUAG MRO International has performed the first inspection of an NH90 transport helicopter for the German Bundeswehr.

The inspection was carried out at its Oberpfaffenhofen site, followed by the delivery of the NH90 to a crew from Transport Helicopter Regiment 10.

With the completion of the inspection, the Bundeswehr’s Federal Office of Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) has chosen RUAG MRO International as an alternative support provider for NH90 maintenance.

NHIndustries is the original equipment manufacturer of the NH90 helicopter.

RUAG MRO International Military Dornier 228 Business Jets senior vice-president Volker Wallrodt said: “Our helicopter specialists prove many years of experience in the maintenance of military helicopters. This successful NH90 inspection confirms our ability to apply our experience to include the Bundeswehr’s most advanced helicopter type as well.

“The Bundeswehr is our long-standing customer and RUAG is well positioned to meet their requirements in full. We are able to ensure fleet availability, planning reliability, and dependable turnaround times, and all at maximum quality.”

Prior to starting maintenance work on the NH90, RUAG had to secure the related type rating from the German Military Aviation Authority.

For this, the company had to meet all necessary requirements, including rules on personnel certifications, process instructions, technical documentation, and infrastructure.

The company was required to ensure fully equipped aircraft docking facilities, as well as on-site availability of special tooling to obtain the type rating.

Furthermore, RUAG prepared information technology services to be able to document all maintenance tasks performed on the helicopter in the Bundeswehr’s IT system.

The company implemented the requisite SASPF software at the Oberpfaffenhofen site. The software covered project management, logistics and operations management, and all dock workstations.

RUAG is also a provider of maintenance, overhaul and logistics services for the Bell UH-1D helicopter fleet for Bundeswehr.

The UH-1D helicopter is being used by Bundeswehr to perform search and rescue missions.