Eurocopter has successfully performed the maiden flight of the first NH90 Tactical Transport Helicopter (TTH) for the Sultanate of Oman at its Marignane facility on May 9th.

This maiden flight of TOMF001 (Manufacturer Serial Number) lasted 1 hour and 20 minutes and was under the command of Eurocopter’s Test Pilot, Philippe Boutry. Reporting total satisfaction with the flight, he said: “We flew to an altitude of up to 4,000 ft and at maximum speed, and all of the aircraft’s main systems operated in accord with our expectations.

The contract between the Sultanate of Oman and NHIndustries was signed in July 2004 and provides for the delivery of 20 multi-purpose NH90 TTHs with an enhanced power plant perfectly adapted to the extreme flight conditions of this region in the Middle East. The aircraft will be operated by the Royal Air Force of Oman (RAFO) in tactical transport, search and rescue and other military missions in all terrains.

The contract also foresees a comprehensive support package and services with a contractor’s field assistance on several bases, training aids and mission preparation stations. The helicopters are scheduled to progressively enter into service in the country as of 2008.