The second prototype of the NH90 Sea Lion has entered the qualification phase following its first flight in production configuration on July 10.
The second prototype of the NH90 Sea Lion for the German Navy performed its first flight in production configuration on July 10. This event marks the beginning of the helicopter’s qualification phase together with the customer’s official authorities.
The aircraft made its maiden flight in November 2017. Testing since then has focused on avionics and software.
When the qualification phase is finished, the German customer will release the military type certificate to clear the way for delivery of the first production aircraft, which is scheduled for end of 2019.
Altogether, 18 Sea Lions are on order for the German Navy.
The Sea Lions will be the first NH90s to be delivered by NH Industries with advanced civil navigation capabilities. They will be equipped with the CMC Electronics CMA-9000 Flight Management System (FMS) and CMA-5024 GPS Landing System.