Ejercito del Aire, July 24, 2021 - Spanish Air Force Wing 48 (Ala 48) completed first conversion course for the NH90 helicopter, named locally HD.29 Lobo.
After three intense months of theoretical training, in flight and in a simulator, on July 21 the last two tests of the training plan were carried out.
During this period, the NH90 instructors of the 803 Squadron have put into practice the knowledge acquired by training a total of four pilots, among which are the first two women qualified in the Spanish Armed Forces in this weapon system and a pilot from the CLAEX (Logistics Center for Armament and Experimentation).
This first course represents a milestone for Wing 48, since it is a new step towards reaching the IOC (Initial Operational Capacity), at which point HD29 will definitively take over from HD.21 (Super Puma) after 40 years of service in the 803 Squadron.
The Air Force NH90 program continues on-time with three helicopters already delivered and looking forward to perform the NH90 main roles : SAR (search and rescue), PR ( CSAR, Recovery of personnel in hostile environment), HME ( MedEvac, Aero-evacuation Medical) and SAO ( Special Air Operations).
Waiting for the more than necessary and long-delayed simulator in Cuatro Vientos, the unit keeps working at full capacity and thinking about the nearest future: in September the next conversion course will begin in which another 4 pilots will be trained, and also expects the arrival of two new NH-90 helicopters between October and November, and a sixth in early 2022, more than exciting ingredients for this Squadron undergoing renovation
After three intense months of theoretical training, in flight and in a simulator, on July 21 the last two tests of the training plan were carried out.
During this period, the NH90 instructors of the 803 Squadron have put into practice the knowledge acquired by training a total of four pilots, among which are the first two women qualified in the Spanish Armed Forces in this weapon system and a pilot from the CLAEX (Logistics Center for Armament and Experimentation).
This first course represents a milestone for Wing 48, since it is a new step towards reaching the IOC (Initial Operational Capacity), at which point HD29 will definitively take over from HD.21 (Super Puma) after 40 years of service in the 803 Squadron.
The Air Force NH90 program continues on-time with three helicopters already delivered and looking forward to perform the NH90 main roles : SAR (search and rescue), PR ( CSAR, Recovery of personnel in hostile environment), HME ( MedEvac, Aero-evacuation Medical) and SAO ( Special Air Operations).
Waiting for the more than necessary and long-delayed simulator in Cuatro Vientos, the unit keeps working at full capacity and thinking about the nearest future: in September the next conversion course will begin in which another 4 pilots will be trained, and also expects the arrival of two new NH-90 helicopters between October and November, and a sixth in early 2022, more than exciting ingredients for this Squadron undergoing renovation
First winch operation
The NH90 will replace the Super Puma in the search and rescue mission within the Spanish Air Force and a vital tool in order to fulfill this mission is the rescue hoist.
As part of the preparation of the new helicopter to enter service, 48 Wing succesfully completed on July 19 the first winching manouvres with a Spanish Air Force NH90.
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Pilot in winching operation
Two women are included in the first group of pilots
Cuatro Vientos See also |
NH90 Lobo in
Ejercito del Aire Escuadron 803 Ejercito del Aire Spanish Air Force 
