An NHIndustries NH90 Tactical Transport Helicopter (TTH) operated by the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) has been grounded pending repairs after it was seriously damaged by a lightning strike, local media has reported.
The helicopter is in need of NZD10 million (USD8.2 million) of repairs after having been struck by lightning while flying near Ohakea air base, north of Wellington, on 22 August, the New Zealand Herald said in late September. None of the crew was injured and the helicopter landed safely.
According to the report, a Defence Force spokesperson said that the damage extended to all four main rotor blades and tail rotors, as well as other structural components. The helicopter's avionics appeared not to have been affected.
Modern aircraft structures and systems are protected against lightning strikes and it is not clear why the protection failed so dramatically in this instance. Manufacturer Eurocopter had not responded to a request for comment by the time IHS Jane's went to press.
The helicopter was one of a batch of eight (plus one for spares) procured in 2005 to replace the ageing Bell UH-1H 'Huey'. Deliveries of the NH90 to New Zealand began in December 2011, with the arrival of the first two aircraft at Ohakea air base. Another pair arrived in October 2012, and the remainder are expected to be delivered by the end of 2013.
Christian Albrecht's insight:
The pricetag seems a bit high for 4 MRB/TRB.