Aerospace

Norway ends NH90 helicopter contract over delays, errors; wants full refund

COPENHAGEN, Denmark –Norway announced plans to abandon its NH90 army helicopter fleet and seek a refund from a consortium led by Europe’s Airbus, which replied by calling the transfer “illegal.” According to the defence minister and army chief, Norway will return the NH90 army helicopters ordered from the NH Industries consortium because they are either faulty or were delivered late.

NATO member Norway has terminated a two-decade-old deal for 14 maritime helicopters with a French manufacturer, citing delays, faults, and time-consuming maintenance, the defence minister said Friday, calling the decision “a significant choice.”

According to Defense Minister Bjrn Arild Gram, the Norwegian government will return the NH90 helicopters it has received so far and demands a full reimbursement of the approximately 5 billion kroner ($525 million) it paid.

“Regardless of how many hours our specialists spend or how many parts we order, the NH90 will never be capable of meeting the needs of the Norwegian Armed Forces,” Defence Minister Bjoern Arild Gram told a press conference. The helicopter consortium stated that it was “very dissatisfied” with the selection.

“NHIndustries considers this termination to be legally void,” the company stated in a news release. It stated that it had not been given the opportunity to debate the most recent plan to increase the supply of the NH90 in Norway or to address specific Norwegian needs. Airbus shares dipped slightly more than 1%.

“Unfortunately, we have concluded that no matter how many hours our specialists spend or how many parts we order, the NH90 will never be capable of matching the standards of the Norwegian Armed Forces,” Arild Gram said.

The NH90 is a twin-engine helicopter designed to meet NATO’s specifications for a modern, medium-sized, multi-role military helicopter capable of both land and sea operations.

A detailed study of Norway’s marine helicopter capabilities, commissioned by the Defense Ministry in February, concluded that the performance and availability of the NH90 would not fulfil the country’s requirements even with large extra financial commitments.

Aerospace

Boeing Transfers Rocket Stage to NASA, Paving Way for Human Moon Mission

Image:Boeing

Boeing has achieved a significant milestone by providing NASA with the second core stage of the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket.

This crucial component, crafted at NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility (MAF), is set to propel the Artemis II crew into lunar orbit, marking humanity’s return to deep space after a 50-year hiatus.

The monumental Boeing-built rocket stage, the largest element of the Artemis II mission, will embark on a journey aboard the Pegasus barge, traveling 900 miles to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center.

Comparison of two legendary aircraft B777x vs B747 aircraft:Click here

Upon arrival, it will be meticulously integrated with other essential Artemis II components, including the upper stage, solid rocket boosters, and NASA’s Orion spacecraft within the iconic Vehicle Assembly Building. This intricate integration process is a vital step toward the eagerly anticipated Artemis II launch, slated for 2025.

“Boeing-built products helped land humankind on the moon in 1969, and we’re proud to continue that legacy through the Artemis generation,” remarked Dave Dutcher, vice president and program manager for Boeing’s SLS program. “Together, with NASA and our industry partners and suppliers, we are building the world’s most capable rocket and paving the way to deep space through America’s rocket factory in New Orleans.”

NASA, Lockheed Martin Reveal X-59 Quiet Supersonic Aircraft:Click here

The delivery of Core Stage 2 marks a significant achievement in the evolution of the SLS rocket. Towering over 200 feet and powered by four RS-25 engines, this core stage, coupled with two solid-fueled booster rockets, will generate a staggering 8.8 million pounds of thrust. This immense power is crucial to launching Artemis II and future missions into the vast expanse of space.

The SLS rocket stands unparalleled in its capability to transport both crew and substantial cargo to the moon and beyond in a single launch. Its extraordinary capacity will facilitate the delivery of human-rated spacecraft, habitats, and scientific missions to destinations including the moon and Mars, ushering in a new era of space exploration.