Sweden and NH90

[Dawes]

Despite new UH-60M's, is Sweden really interested in hanging on to the NH90's?

https://www.janes.com/osint-insights/defence-news/defence/nhi-confident-of-saving-swedish-nh90-programme-as-norway-settles-dispute

[BJE]

There is still no decision if the ASW-version (hkp 14F) is to be replaced or retained. The transport version (hkp 14E) is to be replaced by the additional UH-60M.

It's not impossible that the 14F will continue in use, rumours are that the crews are pretty happy with them.

[Ssnake]

Eventually bugs get worked out. Did it have to take this long?

Maybe not, but I guess it was both a learning process for the NH team and MODs alike, that ordering small batches of bespoke designs does not help to mature a system fast. How about everybody ordering a base design first and then think of modifications. But that wasn't the 2000s School of Procurement thought.

[Yama]

In retrospect, concept of "common helicopter which can be modified to match everybody's individual specification" might seem somewhat self-contradictory.

Manufacturer also seems to have been somewhat at loss with the project. Puzzling, as Eurocopter and Agusta have loads of helicopter experience.

[Ssnake]

8 minutes ago, Yama said:

Manufacturer also seems to have been somewhat at loss with the project. Puzzling, as Eurocopter and Agusta have loads of helicopter experience.

Merging five corporate cultures from at least four countries might have been a contributing factor, IDK.

Eurocopter = DASA (DE) and Aérospatiale (FR)

Agusta (IT)

Stork Fokker (NL, but still two companies that merged)