France Military News, Reports, Data, etc.
- Thread starter navyreco
- Start date
kwaigonegin
Colonel
the NFH (NATO Frigate Helo) is a very capable ASW/ASuW) platform. It's actually superior to the SH60F 'Oceanhawk'. Very adaptable as well to different mission needs and the ability to incorporate local equipment of the host country easily due to high adherence to milspecs standard.
NH-90 NFH is one of the best ASW helo with MH-60R and Merlin, all use the excellent dipping sonar Flash of Thales.
To complete all her pretty pictures we have on Aircraft Carrier thread concerning exercise which took place between Truman CSG and Charles de Gaule Groupe Aéronaval, data update for " Groupe Aérien Embarqué " :
01/2014 :
Landivisiau Base
11F ( Flotilla ) and 12 F : 22 Rafale, one additional delivered end 2013.
17F : 14 Super-Etendard transformed on Rafale start in 2016.
Theoretical staffing : 14 by Flotilla.
In more 2 to St-Dizier AF Squ 2/92 Rafale OCU and one to Istres for test.
LANN BIHOUE Base :
4F : 3 E-2C
HYERES :
35 F helo Dauphin " Pedro " SAR in general CV detachment of 2.
And French Air force squ 1/67 lend Caracal or Puma for CSAR, Log/vertrep.
Rafale Navy :
Order for 48 : 39 built, 4 lost, 10 F1 stored upgraded standard F3 between 2014/17.
About 2 " new " by year.
Before White book 2013, planned 58 but now for 2019 the number is 40, 3 Flotilla slightly less important, i think 12.
I have see on CDG one Rafale #37 the last is the number 39 with new AESA radar.
To complete all her pretty pictures we have on Aircraft Carrier thread concerning exercise which took place between Truman CSG and Charles de Gaule Groupe Aéronaval, data update for " Groupe Aérien Embarqué " :
01/2014 :
Landivisiau Base
11F ( Flotilla ) and 12 F : 22 Rafale, one additional delivered end 2013.
17F : 14 Super-Etendard transformed on Rafale start in 2016.
Theoretical staffing : 14 by Flotilla.
In more 2 to St-Dizier AF Squ 2/92 Rafale OCU and one to Istres for test.
LANN BIHOUE Base :
4F : 3 E-2C
HYERES :
35 F helo Dauphin " Pedro " SAR in general CV detachment of 2.
And French Air force squ 1/67 lend Caracal or Puma for CSAR, Log/vertrep.
Rafale Navy :
Order for 48 : 39 built, 4 lost, 10 F1 stored upgraded standard F3 between 2014/17.
About 2 " new " by year.
Before White book 2013, planned 58 but now for 2019 the number is 40, 3 Flotilla slightly less important, i think 12.
I have see on CDG one Rafale #37 the last is the number 39 with new AESA radar.
I think the newer MH-60Rs would give it a run for its money, as would the Merlin in terms of ASW.
Last edited:
navyreco
Senior Member
I am with Jeff.
The Romeo is proven as it has been in service for several years already.
NH90 in ASW configuration has yet to be proven (as a matter of fact, as of now, French Navy NH90 only conduct SAR and maritime surveillance missions. IIRC they will start ASW missions following a software update this year, not sure about other countries)
Not sure about Merlin for ASW missions.
But give it a few year and NH90 crews will gain experience and be able to maximize its performances. After all it is the first military helicopter fitted with fly by wire system. This has to be a generation gap/step