With no domain knowledge of Active ASW helicopter operations having never operated a dipping sonar capable helicopter before, the Royal Norwegian Air Force (RNoAF) sought a strategic partner to introduce the Norwegian Naval Frigate Helicopter (NFH) variant of the NH90 to further support the strategic requirement to patrol and protect Norwegian territorial waters from current and future threats, as well as contributing increased Anti- Submarine Warfare (ASW) capability to NATO forces and operations.
Solution
Nova Systems provided and coordinated test and evaluation mission specialist, test pilots, military and civilian accredited aviation instructors, and engineering experts to plan a comprehensive program to meet the customer demand. Role and test experience then allowed the Nova Systems team to act as in-flight Test Directors to coordinate test activity, manage the recording of test findings, create relevant reports, and form appropriate recommendations to wider defence stakeholders as required by the customer and project.
In conjunction with complementary helicopter ship interface (HIS) and certification advice, program management as well as data management offerings, Nova Systems provided a turnkey service to streamline and focus the OT&E program.
Outcome
Nova Systems provided a flexible and versatile capability to meet the requirements of the RNoAF NH90 OT&E program through embedding market leading Operational Test & Evaluation (OT&E) support into the program and leveraging expertise across the breadth of military aviation environments and roles including aircrew, technical and logistical support.
Image source: Royal NLR – Netherlands Aerospace Centre