Airbus begins testing new NH90 prototype for French army

Airbus Helicopters has launched its NH90 Standard 2 helicopter flight test campaign. This is the latest NH90 configuration that is being designed specifically for the French military to support its special forces operations. The French military has ordered a total of 18 of these configurated helicopters. The Standard 2 configuration includes the integration of the Safran Euroflir 410 electro-optical system, a new digital map generator, installation for a third crew member and new enlarged rear sliding windows able to accommodate self-protection guns. The tests will validate the design of the new configuration. The prototype of the NH90 Standard 2 has