Air International 2013-09
R.Niccoli - Nemo in Afghanistan /Military/
NH90s usually operate in pairs for CSS missions, but in some cases fly with other types like the A129 Mangusta according to the mission needs.
Italian troops exit an Italian Army Aviation NH90 at Herat in Afghanistan.
The first Italian Army NH90 arrived at Herat on August 18, 2010 onboard a US air Force C-17A.
One of the five Italian Army Aviation NHIndustries NH90s (MM81532/'EI-217') now deployed to Herat, Afghanistan. The International Security Assistance Force has been using the new medium lift helicopters since September 2012 when they replaced Italian Navy Agusta-Bell AB 212ASWs.
Italian Army Aviation air crews concentrated their initial activity on area familiarisation, flying reconnaissance missions day and night, and performing take offs and landings in all conditions at the various bases of the Regional Command West.
Five C-17A flights were required to transport the INH90 quintet to Afghanistan.
During the IOC period, NH90s were checked at an altitude of 7,500ft and temperatures of 26-30°C (equivalent to an altitude/density of 11,000ft). The highest temperature of 45°C were recorded at Farah in western Afghanistan.
A 7.62mm Oto Melara/Dillon M134D Gatling gun fitted to a retractable