the NH-90 helicopters testing under-way

[deeknow]

from a Beehive press-release yesterday:

The Air Force's new NH-90 helicopters are on the way, Defence Minister Wayne Mapp said today. The first of the eight-strong fleet had its initial test flight at manufacturer NH Industries in Marignane, France, last week. The flight test crew reported that the 25-minute flight went very well, Dr Mapp said.

see: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/lift-+a...+new+helicopter

UPDATE: thanx for the correction Trev and Naki, last time I beleive what I read on a beehive press release

[Trev]

Its only the start of the initial testing. We wont see one of these in NZ for at least another year and a half (at the earliest) . I think the whole project has slipped to the right by at least 6 months so far and can probably be expected to slip even further.

[Naki]

First New Air Force Helicopter Due Next March

Wellington, May 12 NZPA - The first of the air force's new NH90 helicopters is expected to be available from March next year.

Defence Minister Wayne Mapp said the first of the eight-strong fleet had its initial test flight in France last week and it was reportedly successful.

The medium-utility helicopters, designed for a range of roles in both military and civilian operations, will replace New Zealand's ageing Iroquois fleet.

Mr Mapp said one of the roles for the machines would be to support agencies such as police and Customs.

New Zealand in 2006 ordered the helicopters for $771 million including logistics support, spare parts and training.

The delivery schedule calls for the first helicopter to be offered for acceptance in March next year.

That machine will then become the training vehicle for air and maintenance crew.