Airbus Helicopters unveils a mockup of the future NH90 special forces variant along with an H160M in Bordeaux, France for the Special Operations Forces Innovation Network Seminar SOFINS.

The Special Forces configuration features includes ;

- fast roping capabilities extended
- new generation Electro-Optical System
- guns mounted on rear windows
- additional 500 kg external fuel tanks
- aerial refuleing probe

Background

In October 2020, the Franch Army Aviation changed the final batch of its 10 TTH already ordered for the TFRA Standard 2 to be used by special forces.

The new design will feature a Safran EuroFLIR 410 electro-optical system (EOS), external 500 kg (1,100 lb) fuel tanks and a digital 3D map.

The cabin will feature a central rappelling and extraction device, gun mounts for M3M .50 caliber machine guns and fold-able step

The rear ramp will feature a quick removable leaf doors system, fast-rope beam, fold-able step and various improvements made to enable the door to be used inflight

The first five are to be delivered in 2025 and rest in 2026 to the 4th Special Forces Helicopter Regiment (4 RHFS)