Production of forward fuselages for the NH90 in progress
Saab Aerostructures has now completed the production of the first three forward fuselages of the NH90 helicopter for Eurocopter. A total of 270 forward fuselages for the helicopter will be delivered by Saab Aerostructures. The NH90 is a new product for Saab Aerostructures and entails new methods and technology.
The first three of a total of 270 forward fuselages for the NH 90 are now completed at Saab Aerostructures in Linköping Two of them have been delivered to Eurocopter in Germany and the third forward fuselage will be delivered around mid December. From there the forward fuselages will be transported onward to one of the final assembly locations in Finland, Italy, Germany or France.
For Saab Aerostructures, work on the NH90 project began in 2002 and components production began late 2003. Saab Aerostructures will deliver 270 forward fuselages for the NH90 for around 15 years.
“The NH90 is a new product for us and entails new methods and technology. As a result we are broadening and developing our business unit. The business also extends over a long period of time which provides stability,” says Pontus Kallén, head of Saab Aerostructures.
The project has entailed new investments and the use of new technology, including a structural rivet bonding technique. In order to apply the new technology, investments in a large new oven for curing of bonded assemblies were necessary. The forward fuselage of the NH90 comprises some 200 different composite parts and 15 metallic parts.
Prior to work on the NH90, all personnel received extensive training to familiarize themselves with the drawings and specifications and the new production methods.
A number of shorter training sessions have been carried out for personnel from Saab Aerostructures at Eurocopter in Germany.
“Everyone has shown tremendous commitment and worked hard to get the first forward fuselage ready on time,” says Håkan Johansson-Öijer, NH90 project manager.
Back to CNB 6/2004