First NH90 Block 1 makes maiden flight
An Italian Navy NH90 NFH became the first helicopter to fly at the latest Block 1 standard in late July 2026. (NHIndustries)
The first NHIndustries (NHI) NH90 medium-lift helicopter made to the Block 1 standard has made its maiden flight, the consortium announced on 3 August 2026.
Also known as Software Release 3 (SWR3), the advanced configuration was flown for the first time aboard an Italian Navy (Marina Militare: MM) NH90 NATO Frigate Helicopter (NFH) version of the rotorcraft (designated SH90 in MM service) on 21 July 2026.
“This important achievement marks the beginning of the flight test campaign for the SWR3 configuration and represents a major milestone in the evolution of the NH90 programme. It comes only two years after the signature of the landmark contract between [NATO Helicopter Management Agency] NAHEMA and NHIndustries for the development and qualification of the SWR3 standard”, NHI said.
As noted by NHI, the new configuration introduces a range of technologies, including a first airborne Link 22 capability integrated on a helicopter, a high-definition Electro-Optical Observation System (LEOSS-T), enhanced antisubmarine sonar capabilities with the OTS-90 Mark II and FLASH Sonars, an upgraded civil GNSS/FMS navigation system, and the integration of additional weapon capabilities.
“The integration of the latest high-definition electro-optical and sonar technologies further improves long-range surveillance, target detection, identification, acquisition and tracking. Combined with the NH90's advanced naval mission system, these new capabilities reduce crew workload while increasing mission effectiveness during demanding operations such as maritime security operations, search and rescue, anti-Surface warfare and anti-submarine warfare.
The first flight marks the successful integration of these new systems and represents an important step towards the qualification and entry into service of the SWR3 configuration,” NHI said.
For more information on the NH90, please see
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