Tailoring of ADS-33 for the NH90 Program

The NH 90 is a twin engine, multi-role naval and tactical transport helicopter in the 9 ton class developed in cooperation between France, Germany, Italy and The Netherlands. The NH 90 and especially its FBW Control System is designed to provide Handling Qualities Level 1 for all operational missions. To meet this challenge, experts from the 4 Governments and from Industry agreed on a tailored version of the ADS-33 to be used as guidelines for the NH90 Handling Qualities and FCS design. MTE’s describing the operational missions and adequate response-types for different UCE’s were defined, as well as OFE’s in line with the Contract requirements. Quantitative criteria from ADS-33 Section 3 were adapted consistently to NH90. Suitable, repeatable and measurable Flight Test Maneuvers were derived from ADS-33, including performance criteria requirements based on previous flight test experience from the participating Nations. For NH90 qualification and Handling Qualities demonstration purposes, FTM’s resulting from this tailoring will be considered.