NH-90 finally getting combat time.

Afghanistan (and later Libya) has been a live testing ground for many weapon systems.  One system missing in action has been the NH-90.  According to the company's website it was placed into service in 2006 but has yet to see action in that conflict.

Here is the latest news.

From the Cassidian website...

From the end of 2012, German Army Aviation will be in charge of providing forward air medical evacuation in Afghanistan using their NH90 helicopters. The FwdAirMedEvac helicopters will provide a solid base for emergency medical care for German soldiers in crisis areas.

And then this from Shepard Media...

 Germany has been operating a handful of CH-53 heavy-lift helicopters in the north of the country since 2002. If Germany Army plans come to fruition, the CH-53s will be joined by NH90s serving in the medevac role, and Tiger attack helicopters.
Plans for the introduction of the two types into theatre were outlined by Brig Gen Reinhard Wolski, the director of German Army Aviation speaking at IQPC's International Military Helicopter conference, held in London from 23-26 January.
The Tiger deployment - which is subject to German government approval - will use Tigers modified to 'Asgard' standard. Eurocopter has taken delivery of the 23rd Tiger which is being updated to 'Asgard F' (F for Full) configuration. The first batch of four Asgard Tigers is due to be delivered back to the Germany Army in August.
Asgard modifications include engine filters for the aircraft to operate in sandy and hot climates, a communication equipment upgrade as well as modifications to the helicopter avionics, and exterior lighting system enhancements for night-time operations. Tiger crews have begun training on 'Asgard T' aircraft (T for training) to pave the way for the Asgard Tiger's introduction.
Wolski said he was confident of getting the NH90s into theatre by the end of the year. The aircraft will be used in the medevac role and will relieve the 'Dustoff' Black Hawks currently provided by the US Army in the region that is controlled by German ISAF troops.

Bill Sweetman loves to talk about how the European Aviation Industry is miles ahead of the US when it comes to rotary winged vehicles.

The NH-90 was suppose to be the war winner that finally knocked the BlackHawk off the stage as the most combat capable medium helicopter on the market.

The Blackhawk still has its crown and the NH-90 is stumbling into battle.  That's not to say that the NH-90 might not develop into an extremely capable weapon system.  But today is not that day.

I will follow the German deployment of their NH-90 with interest...in the meantime the CH-53G will soldier on...