is similar to that used on the Italian SH-101A
(EH101) and has a quoted underwater range
of ‘tens of nautical miles’ using active and
passive modes to detect and classify signals
that are analysed by an onboard database.
The helicopter is qualified to use Marte
MK2/S missiles against surface targets or
MU90 torpedoes against sub-surface threats.
In the cabin, the SH-90A can be equipped with
the Dillon Aero M134D 7.62mm machine gun.
Italian Navy crews are extremely
proud of their most recent asset.
Capitano di Fregata Ciro Sannino is an
SH-90A pilot and leads the 4° Gruppo
Elicotteri (4th Helicopter Squadron).
He summarised the benefits of the
helicopter. “The SH-90 is the most modern
and the best naval helicopter in its class,
designed to meet NATO requirements, with
safety and versatility
in mind, in
order to fulfil the most demanding missions
in the harshest weather conditions. This
helicopter constitutes a force multiplier as
well as the long arm of the fleet by providing
over-the-horizon surface awareness, and
is capable of a diverse range of naval
missions. Its unique aerodynamics, latest
generation of glass cockpit avionics and fly-
by-wire technology underline the value of
the SH-90 as a multipurpose helicopter.”Expanding capabilities
The SH-90A was first delivered to the
Italian Navy on June 23, 2011 in an
interim Meaningful Operational Capability
(MOC) standard. The first delivery to the
Italian Navy followed a contract signed
with NHIndustries in June 2000. This
included a batch of 60 Tactical Transport
Helicopters (TTH) for the Italian Army
plus 46 NATO Frigate Helicopters(NFH) and ten TTHs for the Italian Navy.
The local SH-90A designation for the
NFH was officially adopted in 2012.
When first delivered the SH-90A was
capable of performing crew training, SAR
missions and utility operations. Anti-
submarine and anti-surface warfare
capabilities were introduced when aircraft
were retrofitted to Final Operational
Capability (FOC) standard, which began to
arrive with the fleet in November 2013.
Once FOC was achieved, the SH-90A’s
main missions became ASW and anti-
surface warfare and the aircraft was
cleared for the Marte MK2/S and MU90.
In addition, the SH-90A can be deployed
for transport of personnel, materiel and
troops, SAR operations and medevac.
The Italian Navy maintains two SH-90As
on 24/7 alert, one at Maristaeli Luni and the
other at Grottaglie.The advanced cockpit of the
NH90 represents a generational
leap forward compared to the
1970s-era AB212. The SH-90A’s
fully glass cockpit includes fi ve
multifunction displays and
standby instruments and is
compatible with NVGs and helmet-
mounted display systems.http://www.airforcesmonthly.com #354 SEPTEMBER 2017 // 79