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Hello everyone, and welcome to a new suggestion.
Today, I’m talking about the latest helicopter to join the French Navy’s ranks, the NH90 Caiman (this vehicle has already been suggested for several other countries, the description here is for the French variant only).
The NH90 is a twin-engine medium transport military helicopter developed as part of a European program launched in the 1990s by the NHIndustries consortium (including Airbus Helicopters, Leonardo, and Fokker), to meet the joint needs of several European armies. Its first flight took place in 1995, but its operational entry into service did not begin until the 2000s, after extensive development and testing phases. Designed to be modular, the NH90 exists in two main versions: the TTH (Tactical Transport Helicopter) for land missions, and the NFH (NATO Frigate Helicopter) for naval operations. In France, the latter is known as the Caïman Marine, while the land version is called the Caïman TTH. Equipped with advanced technologies, digital avionics, all-weather capabilities and a low radar signature, the NH90 represents a new generation of European military helicopters, intended to replace older aircraft such as the Puma, Super Frelon and Lynx.
In the French armed forces, the NH90 Caïman is used by the French Army (TTH version) and the French Navy (NFH version). The marine version, which entered service in 2011, is embarked on frigates and projection vessels for anti-submarine, anti-surface, sea rescue, and maritime tactical transport missions. It replaces the old Super Frelon and Lynx. The land version is used by ALAT units for troop transport, logistical support, medical evacuation, and special forces insertion missions. The Caïman is distinguished by its ability to transport up to 20 soldiers, to embark heavy equipment (via crane or cargo hold), and to operate day and night in hostile environments. Although its entry into service was marked by delays and availability challenges, it is today a key link in the projection and tactical mobility of French forces, engaged in external operations in the Sahel, the Levant and in various maritime sovereignty missions.
Today we will focus exclusively on the NHL version called “Marine” in the French forces, present in the 31F and 33F flotillas of the French navy.
Characteristics
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Length : 19.56 m
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Width : 16.30 m
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Height : 5.31 m
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Mass :
- Min : 6,400 kg
- Max : 11,000 kg
The Caiman is powered by two RTM 322 turbines, each with 2,388 shp, allowing it to reach a top speed of 300 km/h and an altitude of 3,500 meters. The maximum range is 5 hours with additional fuel tanks, which allows it to travel 1,600 km.
The aircraft crew in combat configuration is 2 to 3 people, with a pilot and a tactician (TACO) in the front and a sensor officer (SENSO) in the rear seat when using weapons systems. The SENSO in the rear seat is responsible for the various sensors (radar, buoys, etc.) but also for winching and the machine gun for self-defense.
Equipment
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FLIR
An optronic ball is installed in the nose of the aircraft with FLIR capability, allowing it to have camera feedback in IR of what is happening in front of it. -
NVG
The aircraft is qualified for night flight under night vision goggles -
RADAR
The ENR panoramic radar is installed under the belly of the aircraft. This air-sea radar is designed for 360° maritime target detection, allowing the NH90 Marine to carry out its role as a maritime patrol and defense aircraft. -
PROTECTION SYSTEM
The aircraft has the various protection systems common to Airbus helicopters, an RWR and a MAW (6 antennas visible at the front, the back and on the sides) are present and are coupled with the decoy launcher system which allows the Caiman to defend itself against different threats. -
SONAR
A FLASH sonar (dipping sonar developed by Thales) can be deployed under a sling from the helicopter to detect underwater targets. This sonar is deployed via an electric winch located in the hold, several hundred meters of cables are available. -
SONO BUOY
Ten acoustic buoys (identical to those on the Atlantique 2) are located on a carousel in the cargo hold. These buoys can be dropped beneath the Caiman to detect underwater threats. Information from these buoys is relayed to the sensor officer. -
Emergency flotation system
An emergency flotation system keeps the aircraft afloat in the event of damage over the sea. This system keeps it afloat for one hour in force 6 seas.
Weapons
The Caiman Navy’s weapon system is centered around anti-submarine warfare, so the armament is reduced but specialized for this type of combat.
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MU-90 torpedo
Two Mu-90 anti-submarine torpedoes can be installed (one on each side of the cabin). This lightweight torpedo can reach 50 knots of speed and hit targets at more than 20 kilometers located 1000 meters below sea level. -
M3M machine gun
The 12.7mm M3M machine gun is a machine gun that can be installed in the turret bay of the NH90. This weapon, present on the Cougar and Caracal, allows for defense against proximity threats with significant firepower. -
MAG58 mavhine gun
The MAG58 is a 7.62mm machine gun common to all French armed forces helicopters. This door-mounted machine gun allows for the defense of ground forces during landing or takeoff.
Video
In-game this aircraft would have a limited effect for the moment, in fact the only real offensive weapon available is the 12.7mm M3M machine gun. However this helicopter would represent an interesting addition in the case where naval battles opened up to helicopters, in which case the Caiman Marine could be effective and could accompany similar helicopters from other nations like the SeaKing for example.
Sources
- NH90 | Airbus
- NH90 missions | Airbus
- NH90 technical information | Airbus
- Caïman Marine | Ministère des Armées
- L’hélicoptère NH90 | Ministère des Armées
- Sonars Trempés Basse Fréquence
- La torpille légère MU90
- Mise en œuvre d’un Caïman Marine armé d’une torpille de combat MU90 depuis l’Auvergne | colsbleus
- NH90 Caïman Marine – AIR LEGEND